North American T-28 Trojan

T-28 Trojan

When the United States Air Force set out to replace the old model T-6 Texan trainers, North American was hired to complete the task. What they presented was the Model NA-159 piston-engined trainer; a design that was so successful that it was responsible for gaining a contract for two XT-28 prototypes. After an evaluation of these prototypes and an initial flight on September 26, 1949, the Air Force was so impressed that it ordered production to begin on the newly designated T-28A.

The Trojan, as it became known, had a frameless canopy and a Wright R-1300 engine that, when combined, gave it a top speed that often exceeded 280 mph. First orders of 266 planes in 1950 eventually grew to 1,194. After it became evident that the Air Force had found a very successful design, the United Sates Navy and Marine Corps adopted it as well. Two years later, 489 standardized versions (T-28Bs) were ordered by the Navy, mainly differing from the T-28A in its use of the more-powerful Wright R-1820-86 engine. Following this, 299 T-28Cs were produced, which were fitted with an arrester gear for deck landing training.

In 1962, North American began supplying T-28Ds for the counter-insurgency role. Six underwing hardpoints were added in order for the aircraft to accept a variety of weapons. The T-28 saw action in both Southeast Asia and North Africa. The attack trainer version of the T-28D was called the AT-28D. France’s Sud-Aviation converted over 240 T-28Ds into Fennecs and used them as replacements for their Algerian-based T-6s. Fennecs performed admirably in the close-support, reconnaissance and patrol roles.

The T-28′s service career, though long, was finally ended by the introduction of the T-34 turboprop and the T-2 jet trainer, but the T-28 lives on as one of the most popular piston-powered warbirds in the USA, as well as several other countries. [History by Kimberly Workman]

Nicknames: Trojan

Number Built: ~2232

Number Still Airworthy: 150+ 

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Manufacturer - North American Rockwell

  • Model - T-28C

  • Serial # - 146249

  • Year - 1957

  • N-Number - N28CV

  • Engines - One, Wright Cyclone R1820-86 Thrust: 1,425 hp @ 2700 rpm

    Length - 33’ 0”

  • Height - 13’ 0”

  • Wingspan - 47’ 0”

  • Weight -

    • Empty: 6,676 lbs.

    • Max Takeoff: 10,900 lbs

  • Performance -

    • Range: 1,060 Miles

    • Ceiling: 35,500’

    • Max Speed: 340 kts