RVAH-9

The RVAH-9, also known as the North American Aviation A3J-3P, was a proposed variant of the A-5 Vigilante supersonic carrier-based attack aircraft. The designation falls within the US Navy's aircraft designation system which used the format: R(Research), V(Heavier-than-air fixed wing), A(Attack), H(Heavy). The "9" would indicate a numerical sequence within the RVAH designation block.

The A3J-3P was intended to be a specialized photographic reconnaissance version of the Vigilante. Unlike the earlier RA-5C reconnaissance variant which retained a strike capability, the A3J-3P was planned to be dedicated solely to reconnaissance missions. This specialization would have likely involved further modifications to the internal equipment bay, optimized for advanced photographic and sensor systems.

The A3J-3P/RVAH-9 designation never progressed beyond the planning stage. The RA-5C proved to be a capable platform and filled the Navy's need for a high-speed, carrier-based reconnaissance asset. Therefore, the proposed dedicated photographic variant was deemed unnecessary and development was cancelled. No aircraft were built under this designation. The RVAH-9 represents a "paper project" in the lineage of the A-5 Vigilante, showcasing potential design variations that were ultimately not pursued.