T-28 Trojan

The North American T-28 Trojan was a piston-engined military trainer aircraft used by the United States armed forces in the 1950s and early 60s. Many were subsequently sold to private civil operators where and are often found flying as warbirds today.

Development

On September 24 1949 the XT-28 (company designation NA-159) was flown for the first time, designed to replace the T-6 Texan. Found satisfactory, a contract was issued and between 1950 and 1957 a total of 1,948 were built.

Service history

In the COIN role, T-28s saw extensive service during the Vietnam War in VNAF hands. They were also supplied to Congo by the CIA to support Moise Tshombe's regime. France used locally remanufactured T-28s in close-support and patrol roles in Algeria

Variants

T-28A - US Air Force version with a 800 hp (597 kW) engine. (1,194 built)
T-28B - US Navy version with 1,425 hp (1,063 kW) engine (489 built)
T-28C - US Navy version, a T-28B with tailhook for deck landing training (266 built)
T-28D - T-28As converted for the Counter Insurgency (COIN) role. Re-engined as per the T-28B and C, and fitted with six underwing hardpoints. (321 converted by NAA, plus 72 by Fairchild-Hiller)
- AT-28D - T-28Ds used for attack training by the USAF.
- Fennec - ex-USAF T-28Ds refurbished and modified by Sud-Aviation in France

Users

United States Air Force
United States Navy
Republic of Viet-Nam Air Force (VNAF)
Congolese Air Force
French Air Force
Argentine Navy
Thai Air Force

Specifications (T-28D)

General Characteristics

Crew: two
Length: 33 ft (10.06 m)
Wingspan: 40 ft 1 in (12.22 m)
Height: 12 ft 8 in (3.86 m)
Wing area: 268 ft² (24.9 m²)
Empty: 6,424 lb (2,914 kg)
Loaded: lb ( kg)
Maximum takeoff: 8,500 lb (3,856 kg)
Powerplant: 1x Wright R-1820-86 Cyclone, 1,425 hp (1,063 kW)

Performance

Maximum speed: 343 mph (552 km/h)
Range: 1,060 miles (1,706 km)
Service ceiling: 35,500 ft (10,820 m)
Rate of climb: ft/min ( ft/min)
Wing loading: lb/ft² ( kg/m²)
Power/Mass:

External links

T-28 Trojan (http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/annex/an26.htm)
Warbird Alley (http://www.warbirdalley.com/t28.htm)