Photo Recon missions = Dangerous stuff.

The US Navy lost 23 RA-5C Vigilantes in Vietnam, more than any other aircraft type. Most were lost in post bombimg photo damage assessment missions, when the NVN air defenders knew they were coming.

The Vigilante was one azz-kickin plane. Mach2, Titanium frame.Amont other firsts, it was the first fly-by-wire military aircraft. A lot of expensive hi tech stuff on it and the Navy lost a ton of them, in and out of combat.

RA-5C Vigilante History

Hand salute to all who fly into harms way. F/W or rotary. A breed apart.


Speaking of the Air Force and the discussions of WW2 & Vietnam pilots, Robin Olds bridged 2 decades and flew in both wars. From P-38s to F-4s. None better.

Robin Olds & Steve Ritchie - MIG Killers in Vietnam - YouTube