This is my (Mako8841) UPDATED 1-8-2018 repaint of the Alphasim RA-5C Vigilante. Modified by Bob Chicilo, October 5, 2007. Updated in Oct. 2016 by LLS. This is a superb model with realistic VC. All new automatic throttle afterburners, sounds, and more. FSX native conversion, full original Alpha Vigilante.
I was attached to RVAH-1 (Smokin' Tigers) in the early 1970's. This repaint is the exact copy of one of my squadron aircraft, 604. I took care to make every possible markings correct from pictures I have of the aircraft. I painted the tail of this aircraft for real as you see it in 1972, NAS Albany, GA. I have cleaned it up since my squadron had very clean aircraft. Removed some lines you can't see in real life, and added new lines. Did some cockpit work. Changed chute lever to Emergency Canopy, added second Emerg. Canopy lever as it was for real, new fuel dump lever, call numbers to 604, and red seats interior to brown, added hinges to nose gear, changed stick, changed rudder pedals to NAA, and a few screws, new access panels, new photo pod layout as it is for real, new stainless steel exhaust shields, new tail cone, new landing gear wheel rims, changed pilots helmet color and added Smokin' Tigers logo as it was for real, and revised my tail, (vertical stabilizer). Corrected some of my mistakes. The cockpit is close to the real thing. More to come, I think. Please check back...
I worked on these aircraft in the Navy for two years. The pilot that flew 604 was my squadron Commander Jim Catron and the RAN (radar/navigator) officer was LTJG Gary Spangler . On our Westpack Cruise aboard the USS Saratoga 07-Jun-72 in Viet Nam, Lt. Cdr. C. H. Smith and LT. Kurtz were hit by a SAM. They were flying 601,156616, both ejected safely. Both were rescued and picked up by helos from HC-7 in Haiphong, Viet Nam.
RVAH-1 was a Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron of the U.S. Navy. Originally established as Heavy Attack Squadron One (VAH-1) on 1 November 1955, it was redesignated as Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron One (RVAH-1) on 1 September 1964. RVAH-1 was disestablished in January 19, 1979. The USS Saratoga was scrapped in 2016.
RA-5C 156622
1972-73: RVAH-1 as AC-604
2/1979: Put into storage at the AMARC bone yard.
4/30/1979: Struck off charge.
5/1986: Sent to be a target on the Tolicha Peak Range, NV.
I'm proud to be a member of this great U.S. Navy Squadron.
