T-28 Trojan

The T-28 Trojan was a trainer and counter-insurgency aircraft developed and produced by North American Aviation. It played an important role in air 'Commando' operations over Vietnam, until it was replaced by the A-1 Skyraider. The T-28D version flew many sorties, carrying out ground-attack operations against the Vietcong guerrilla. It was very versatile and resembled a World War II monoplane.

The prototype of the North American T-28 Trojan, the XT-28, first flew on September 24, 1949. The first version, the T-28A, entered service with the US Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force in 1950. It was completely retired from the military in 1994. The French variant, known as Fennec, would be employed in Algeria against the insurgency that fought for independence in the 1950s and 1960s. North American and Fairchild built more than 1800 Trojans.

Fatigue problems led the US Air Force to withdraw it from Vietnam. These problems were detected after the constant stresses of combat operations caused several aircraft to shed wings. The Nationalist China (Taiwan) Air Force received a batch of T-28As, which were subjected to local modifications, which included the upgrade with a more powerful engine.

Technical Characteristics

The T-28 Trojan was a two-seat, single-engine monoplane. It was equipped with straight low wings. The tail fin had a rather large rudder. The fuselage was all-metal. The cockpit was fitted with tandem seats, with full dual controls and blind flying equipment. The T-28D variant featured ejection seats. Its powerful radial engine gave it a distinctive drooped profile.

Specifications

Type: piston-engine trainer and counter-insurgency aircraft

Length: 10 m (33 ft)

Wingspan: 12.22 m (40 ft, 1 in)

Wing Area: 24.90 square meters (268 sq. ft)

Height: 3.86 m (12 ft, 8 in)

Power Plant (T-28D): one 1,425-HP, Wright R-820-86 Cyclone, 14-cylinder, radial piston engine.

Maximum Speed: 552 km/h (342 mph)

Range: 1,706 km (1,060 miles)

Armament: up to 1,814 kg of bombs; rockets.

Below, the US Navy T-28 in early 1960s.

Below, the T-28D ground-attack aircraft.

Below, the US Air Force T-28A trainer in the 1950s