# 51 in the Combat Aircraft Series covers the RA-5C Vigilante and its use in combat. Originally developed as a supersonic nuclear attack bomber, that mission went away shortly after the type reached the fleet when it was deemed that the USAF would handle all nuclear air dropped weapons. Rather than give up on the aircraft, it was developed into an outstanding airborne reconnaissance platform, able to carry a wide variety of cameras and other image sensors. Its high speed allowed it to get in get the pictures and get out better than any other aircraft before or since. The aircraft was at its best during the Vietnam War when the need for pre and post strike imagery was paramount.

The author is intimately familiar with the aircraft, having flown it in combat, so it is through the eyes of an experienced enthusiast that we get the full story of the Vigilante and its combat operations. We get the full developmental history of the aircraft in addition to exciting stories of its operational use as told by the crew members who flew the plane.

There are lots of excellent photos, including some in full color to add spice to the book. In addition, there are several pages of superb profiles of the Vigilante during its long career. It is a most timely edition as well with the highly anticipated 1/48 kit soon to reach us. It is a book that is both an excellent read and a superb reference. It is one that I can highly recommend.

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