Although it received little attention, the North American A-5 Vigilante was a highly efficient supersonic bomber for the US Navy at a time when said service still maintained strategic bombing capability. Intended as an all-weather attack bomber, the Vigilante was significant for being the first major combat aircraft with variable geometry intakes, multi-mode radar, a digital computer, and slab tailplanes instead of the more conventional ailerons thus giving it a decidedly modern apperance more akin to a fourth generation aircraft than those in its time. Unfortunately for such an advanced aircraft, it entered service just as the USN was relinquishing its strategic bomber role and thus, it saw action in the Vietnam War mostly as a reconnaissance platform. After the war, most were retired due to their expense and complexity with the last units in USN service until 1979.

Maiden flight of the XA3J-1 took place on 31 August 1958 and it entered service as the A3J-1 (A-5A after 1962) two years later. The A3J-2 (A-5B) included additional fuel in a dorsal saddle tank, and additional underwing hardpoints; it was the last bomber version built. Finally, a reconnaissance variant was the A3J-3P (RA-5C) which included new builds as well as conversions of A-5A and B units.