The North American Aviation T-28 advanced trainer, though a piston engined airplane, was developed for the jet age. Although jet fighters were in front line service by 1949, the old AT-6 advanced trainer was still a 1930’s design and wholly inappropriate for jet transition. With a cockpit layout similar to the F86, a bubble canopy, and tricycle landing gear, it was also as fast as some fighters just ten years earlier. You can also see the North American family resemblance in the vertical stabilizer that looks like a P-51.

The versatile T-28 was also used by foreign countries and could be armed on their hard points. They served in combat in Viet Nam in close support missions, and could be equipped as ‘Attack Trainers’ for forward observation and counter insurgency. Many served in Central and South America in combat roles into the 1980’s.

The take-off scene pictured here would be punctuated by the distinctive brap of the Wright 1830 engine that always sounds like it’s missing a cylinder. With its crackly, staccato exhaust note the 450 hp supercharged engine was good for 35,000 feet and a 280 knot cruising speed. With cowl flaps open and holding a bootfull of rudder our helmeted Trojan pilot pulls the gear up after a short rollout. The helmet protects the pilot in case of trouble, but also helps reduce the considerable noise.

Shown here in 1960’s Navy colors representing an aircraft from the training carrier CVT-16 USS Lexington. A World War Two Essex-class fleet carrier, she went into training service off of Pensacola and Corpus Christi, where she survives as a museum today. T-28’s were part of her compliment.

Many current T-28 owners choose colorful military paint schemes from different eras and branches of the service, and there were a lot to choose from. Trojans were also widely used by the Air Force and the Marines up until the 1970’s, making the researching of markings and color schemes available part of the fun of operating one today.

T-28’s survive in large numbers due to their long service life and rugged construction. About 150 are operable today, and $250-300,000 can put you in the cockpit of a nice one.

T28D Trojan Shirts:

T28D Trojan t-shirts are available printed on white Haynes heavyweight T-shirts in sizes medium through XXL.   We can do production runs for special events, clubs, or teams.   Allow 3-5 days from date of order for sizes and images in stock.  Custom images may be done on a special order, and an artwork fee may apply.

T28 Torjan T-shirt:  $17 each

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T28D Trojan Mugs:

The T28D Trojancoffee mugs are 3" x 3.75", made of high gloss ceramic.  The image is printed directly to the mug and is dishwasher safe.  No decals used.

T-28D Trojan coffee cups:  $10 each

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