A-3 Skywarrior vs A-5 Vigilante

Overview

The A-3 Skywarrior and the A-5 Vigilante are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Douglas and North American respectively.

The A-5 Vigilante reaches 2,123 km/h β€” 2.2x the A-3 Skywarrior's 980 km/h. The A-3 Skywarrior has an operational range of 3,380 km vs 1,804 km for the A-5 Vigilante. The A-5 Vigilante operates at altitudes up to 15,880 m compared to 12,000 m for the A-3 Skywarrior.

The A-3 Skywarrior has been produced in 283 units vs 167 for the A-5 Vigilante. The A-3 Skywarrior first flew 6 years before the A-5 Vigilante (1952 vs 1958).

American jet-powered strategic bomber, developed in the mid-20th century, utilized for nuclear deterrence, electronic warfare, and aerial refueling from aircraft carriers.
Douglas A-3 Skywarrior Combat profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Douglas
First flight 28 October 1952
Year introduced 1956
Number produced 283 units
Average unit price --
American supersonic bomber, renowned for Cold War nuclear deterrent role, later adapted for reconnaissance missions.
North American A-5 Vigilante Combat profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer North American
First flight 31 August 1958
Year introduced 1961
Number produced 167 units
Average unit price $10 million
Wing area 75.4 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 22.1 m β—‰
Height 6.9 m β—‰
Length 23.3 m β—‰
Maximum speed 980 km/h β—‰
Operational range 3,380 km β—‰
Service ceiling 12,000 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 37,195 kg β—‰
Empty weight 17,876 kg β—‰
Total thrust 2 x 2,381 kgf β—‰
Wing area 65.1 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 16.2 m β—‰
Height 5.9 m β—‰
Length 23.3 m β—‰
Maximum speed 2123 km/h β—‰
Operational range 1,804 km β—‰
Service ceiling 15,880 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 28,615 kg β—‰
Empty weight 14,870 kg β—‰
Total thrust 2 x 4,893 kgf β—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-3 Skywarrior or A-5 Vigilante?
The A-5 Vigilante is faster with a maximum speed of 2,123 km/h compared to the A-3 Skywarrior's 980 km/h, a difference of 1,143 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-3 Skywarrior or A-5 Vigilante?
The A-3 Skywarrior has a longer range at 3,380 km compared to the A-5 Vigilante's 1,804 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-3 Skywarrior or A-5 Vigilante?
The A-5 Vigilante has a higher service ceiling at 15,880 meters (52,099 ft) compared to the A-3 Skywarrior's 12,000 meters (39,370 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-3 Skywarrior or A-5 Vigilante?
The A-3 Skywarrior has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 37,195 kg compared to the A-5 Vigilante's 28,615 kg.
Which is larger, the A-3 Skywarrior or A-5 Vigilante?
The A-5 Vigilante is longer at 23.3 meters compared to the A-3 Skywarrior's 23.3 meters.
Which entered service first, the A-3 Skywarrior or A-5 Vigilante?
The A-3 Skywarrior entered service first in 1956, 5 years before the A-5 Vigilante which entered service in 1961.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-3 Skywarrior or A-5 Vigilante?
The A-3 Skywarrior has been produced in greater numbers with 283 units compared to 167 units of the A-5 Vigilante.