RA-5C Vigilante Book Review
By David L. Veres
| Date of Review | November 2014 | Title | RA-5C Vigilante |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Charles Stafrace | Publisher | Guideline Publications |
| Published | 2014 | ISBN | n/a |
| Format | 64 pages, softbound | MSRP (GBP) | £15.50 |
Review
Only 156 examples of this sleek, massive aircraft were manufactured. And it sustained the highest loss rate of any US Navy warplane during the Vietnam War – nearly 40%.
It was the North American Vigilante. And although originally designed as a carrier-based, supersonic nuclear bomber, the RA-5C variant ultimately excelled in the tactical reconnaissance role.
Now it's the subject of RA-5C Vigilante – number 97 in Guideline Publications's colorful "Warpaint" series.
Coverage includes design and development notes, initial operations, year-by-year summary of the aircraft's Vietnam War actions, and Vigilante squadron capsule histories.
Dozens of color and B&W photos tincture text. Richard J. Caruana's 1:72-scale plans confirm the aircraft's massive size. And his superb color profiles – 36 in all, plus a multi-view – provide plenty of model project inspiration.
Tables recap Vigilante specifications, serials, carrier air wing and squadron tail codes, and squadron deployments. A final listing covers RA-5C kits, decals and accessories. And a three-page "in detail" section offers close-up shots – inside and out.
Tackling Trumpeter's 1:72 RA-5C Vigilante? Addressing Airfix's ancient effort? Reference Warpaint 97!
Recommended!
My sincere thanks to Guideline Publications for this review sample!