North American T-28C Trojan


Even though T-6 Texans continued to serve quite adequately in their training role into the late 1940s, they were getting old. Moreover, nearly all new planes were being designed with tricycle landing gear and increased horsepower. It was crucial to afford fledgling pilots a machine that would ease their transition into operational jets. These and other factors gave rise to the U.S. Air Force's request for the next generation of trainers. North American's solution was the XT-28, an unusual looking tricycle gear equipped plane with a single radial engine that made its maiden flight on September 26, 1949.

The U.S. Air Force used 1,194 of these planes until 1956 in front-line training units. Reserve squadrons continued to fly them until 1959.

In 1952 the Navy ordered an upgraded Trojan with increased horse power and a 3-bladed variable pitch propeller. This model's performance was so improved that the Navy ordered still more changes resulting in the "C" model exhibited at the Pima Air Museum. its lengthened and strengthened fuselage allowed for the installation of a landing hook for carrier landings. Later "D" models were subsequently used in combat in Vietnam by both U.S. and South Vietnamese forces.

 
Technical Data
Type: Trainer
Crew: Two
Engine(s): One Wright R-1820 of 1,425 HP
Wing Span: 40 ft., 7-1/2 in.
Length: 32 ft., 9 in.
Height: 12 ft., 7 in.
Maximum Speed: 288 MPH
Cruising Speed: 250 MPH
Combat Radius: N/A
Ferry Range: 1,008 miles
Service Ceiling: 20,000 feet
Armament: None
Cost: $187,791



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