Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series Die-cast Model

North American Aviation RA-5C (A-5) Vigilante – 150834/604,RVAH-13 "Bats", USS Kitty Hawk, U.S. Navy, 1966, "Experimental SEA Camo Paint Scheme"

1:72 Scale.  Length: 12.75".  Wingspan: 8.8"


Limited production of approximately 650 models worldwide

RVAH-13 (Reconnaissance Heavy Attack Squadron 13) “Bats” was formed in 1961 as VAH-13 and re-designated RVAH-13 in November 1964. North American RA-5C Vigilante #150834/604 was delivered to the USN in 1963 and assigned to VAH-3 “Sea Dragons”. From October 1965 until June 1966 the aircraft was with RVAH-13 “Bats” onboard the USS Kitty Hawk taking part in the Vietnam War. #150834 was one of only a few aircraft that received the Experimental South East Asia camo scheme. The new scheme was short lived and 150834 went to AMARC in 1973.

The A-5 Vigilante was a carrier-based supersonic bomber designed and built by North American Aviation for the U.S Navy as a replacement for the Douglas A-3 Skywarrior. However, its service as a nuclear strike aircraft was very short as its mission changed to tactical reconnaissance. The A3J-1 Vigilante (redesignated A-5A in September 1962) was first flown on August 31, 1958 and entered squadron service in June 1961. The RA-5C, the reconnaissance variant, saw extensive service during the Vietnam War starting in 1964. The RA-5C was generally regarded as the best tactical photo-reconnaissance aircraft in the Navy, when it was working properly.

During the Vietnam War, 8 U.S Navy RVAH squadrons flying the RA-5C completed a total of 32 combat cruises. 18 RA-5Cs were lost in combat, most of them to anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) and another 5 were lost in accidents. This was the highest loss rate of any Navy aircraft involved in the war. After the end of the Vietnam War, RA-5Cs continued to operate from carriers for a few more years, serving on carriers during cruises in the Mediterranean and Western Pacific.


Hobby Master is a manufacturer of high quality, pre-built, diecast models. Each model is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using specifications of the original aircraft or vehicle. They are made with diecast metal and some plastic components.


This model of a RA-5C Vigilante features: