Number 88 of 100 in 100: The North American T-28 🛩️

Conceptualization:

In the late 1940s, the U.S. military faced a pressing need to modernize its pilot training programs. The North American T-6 Texan, which had been instrumental during World War II, was beginning to show its age. With advancements in aviation technology and the advent of jet aircraft, a more advanced training platform was required to prepare pilots for the complexities of modern combat aviation. The demand for a new aircraft was driven by the need for higher performance, more responsive handling, and systems that mimicked the capabilities of operational military aircraft.

The North American T-28 Trojan was born out of this necessity. Its first flight occurred on September 24, 1949, and it was designed to bridge the gap between basic flight instruction and operational jet training. The U.S. military sought to ensure that pilots were thoroughly prepared for the transition to jet-powered fighters, and the T-28’s innovative design offered a solution that addressed these evolving requirements.

Original Design:

The T-28 Trojan was an engineering marvel of its time, featuring advanced design elements tailored to its role as a military trainer. One of its standout features was the introduction of tricycle landing gear, a configuration that mirrored modern jet aircraft and made it easier for student pilots to transition seamlessly to more advanced platforms. It also features a canopy that provided excellent visibility, ensuring that the occupants had clear views of their surroundings.

Under the cowling, the T-28 boasted a powerful radial engine. The initial T-28A variant was equipped with an 800-horsepower Wright R-1300 engine, while later versions like the T-28B and T-28C incorporated the even more powerful Wright R-1820 engine, offering 1,425 horsepower. This gave the Trojan impressive performance capabilities, allowing it to simulate the handling of combat aircraft. Combined with its robust construction and adaptable design, the T-28 became an ideal platform for both training and operational roles.

Photo Credit: National Museum of the USAF

Principal Designer:

The T-28 Trojan was developed by North American Aviation (NAA), a company already renowned for iconic aircraft like the P-51 Mustang and B-25 Mitchell. The project benefited from NAA's deep expertise and collaborative engineering approach. NAA's experience in creating rugged, high-performance aircraft translated seamlessly into the Trojan. The company’s engineering team incorporated lessons learned from previous projects, ensuring the T-28 met the needs of post-war pilot training. Its development marked a significant step in military aviation, demonstrating how a dedicated team could produce an aircraft capable of adapting to the rapid technological advancements of the time.

Production Run:

Production of the T-28 Trojan began in 1950 and continued until 1957, with a total of 1,948 units built across the three main variants. The T-28A, designed for the U.S. Air Force, was the most popular, with 1,194 units produced. This variant was equipped with an 800-horsepower Wright R-1300 engine and was primarily used for basic training.

The T-28B and T-28C variants were developed for the U.S. Navy, featuring a more powerful 1,425-horsepower Wright R-1820 engine and a three-bladed propeller. The T-28C was further modified for aircraft carrier operations, incorporating a tailhook and shortened propeller blades. Together, these variants—489 T-28Bs and 299 T-28Cs—demonstrated the Trojan’s adaptability to different military requirements, solidifying its legacy as a versatile trainer.

Evolution:

The T-28 Trojan evolved significantly over its production run to meet the needs of the U.S. military. The T-28A variant, with its Wright R-1300 engine, was primarily used by the Air Force for training purposes. However, as the Navy required a trainer capable of carrier operations, the T-28B was developed with a more powerful engine and enhanced performance characteristics.

The T-28C variant took these improvements a step further by incorporating a tailhook for carrier landings and modifications to the propeller to ensure safe operations on aircraft carriers. These changes made the Trojan not only a reliable trainer but also a flexible platform capable of advanced aerobatic maneuvers and specialized training roles. This adaptability ensured its relevance throughout its service life and beyond.

Photo Credit: airliners.net - Thierry Deutsch

Specifications:

North American T-28D Specifications:

General Characteristics:

• Crew: 2
• Length: 33 ft 0 in (10.06 m)
• Wingspan: 40 ft 1 in (12.22 m)
• Height: 12 ft 8 in (3.86 m)
• Wing area: 268.0 sq ft (24.90 m²)
• Aspect Ratio: 6.0:1
• Empty weight: 6,424 lb (2,914 kg) (equipped)
• Max takeoff weight: 8,500 lb (3,856 kg)
• Powerplant: 1 × Wright R-1820-86 Cyclone 9-cylinder air-cooled radial engine, 1,425 hp (1,063 kW)

Performance:

• Maximum speed: 343 mph (552 km/h, 298 kn) at 10,000 ft (3,000 m)
• Ferry range: 1,060 mi (1,710 km, 920 nmi)
• Service ceiling: 35,500 ft (10,800 m)
• Rate of climb: 3,540 ft/min (18.0 m/s)

Armament:

• Hardpoints: 6 with a capacity of 1,200 lb (540 kg) total

In Comparison to Other Aircraft in its Class:

The North American T-28D stands out in the advanced trainer category with its powerful Wright R-1820-86 Cyclone engine, delivering 1,425 horsepower. Its impressive maximum speed of 343 mph at 10,000 feet and a service ceiling of 35,500 feet made it more than just a trainer—it was a high-performance aircraft capable of handling demanding scenarios. Unlike many of its peers, the T-28D wasn’t limited to teaching pilots; its six hardpoints, capable of carrying up to 1,200 pounds of ordnance, made it a versatile platform for light attack and counterinsurgency roles. Combined with a climb rate of 3,540 feet per minute, the Trojan offered pilots an unparalleled mix of training and operational readiness.

Compared to other trainers like the Beechcraft T-34 Mentor or the T-6 Texan, the T-28D delivered a substantial leap in capability. While the T-34 was lightweight and economical, it lacked the raw power and armament flexibility of the Trojan. For pilots preparing for high-performance combat aircraft, the T-28D’s realistic and challenging experience proved invaluable. This combination of power, reliability, and adaptability solidified the Trojan’s reputation as not only a superb trainer but also a capable multi-role aircraft, a distinction that continues to make it a favorite among aviation enthusiasts and historians.

Performance:

North American T-28D Performance Envelope:

V-Speeds:

• Maximum Speed (V_NE): 343 knots (391 mph) 
• Cruise Speed: 180 knots (207 mph) 
• Stall Speed (V_S): 72 mph
• Rate of Climb: 3,540 feet per minute

G-Load Limitations:

• Positive G-Limit: Typically up to +6.0 Gs.
• Negative G-Limit: Generally down to -3.0 Gs.

Performance Assessment:

The North American T-28 Trojan was built to be the ultimate advanced military trainer, and its performance perfectly reflects that mission. With a top speed of 343 mph and a climb rate of 3,540 feet per minute, this aircraft gave student pilots a real taste of what it felt like to fly a high-performance combat machine. Powered by a 1,425-horsepower radial engine, the T-28 was responsive and powerful, making it an ideal stepping stone for those transitioning to modern military aircraft.

What really made the T-28 shine in its role was its versatility. It could handle aerobatic maneuvers like loops, rolls, and spins with ease, giving students hands-on experience with the kinds of moves they’d need in real-world scenarios. Its forgiving stall speed of 72 mph and solid +6/-3 G-load tolerance made it both safe and robust for intense training sessions. Whether teaching the basics of aerobatics or advanced combat techniques, the Trojan wasn’t just a trainer—it was a true gateway to the skies for countless military pilots.

Photo Credit: airliners.net - Rob Neil

Safety Record:

The T-28 Trojan has a mixed safety record, reflecting both its high-performance capabilities and the challenges of operating advanced trainers. Early in its service, engine reliability issues led to operational challenges, particularly with the T-28A variant. Despite these setbacks, the T-28’s overall design proved to be robust and forgiving, minimizing accidents during training operations.

In later years, the Trojan became popular in the civilian warbird community, where it has been involved in several notable incidents. These include crashes during airshows and private operations, due to either pilot error or mechanical failure. Compared to other trainers of its era, the T-28’s safety record remains commendable, particularly given its demanding flight envelope.

Conclusion:

The North American T-28 Trojan remains a beloved icon in the aviation world. As a trainer, it bridged the gap between the propeller-driven aircraft of World War II and the emerging jets of the Cold War. Its innovative design, robust performance, and adaptability ensured its success in preparing generations of pilots for the challenges of modern aviation.

Today, the T-28 continues to capture the imagination of pilots and enthusiasts. Its presence at airshows and in private collections serves as a testament to its enduring appeal and historical significance. More than just a trainer, the Trojan is a symbol of aviation excellence and a cornerstone in the evolution of military flight training.

Photo Credit: aerocorner.com

Bibliography:

American Aviation Historical Society

National Museum of the USAF

Plane & Pilot Magazine - T-28 Trojan

Aero Corner - T-28 Trojan

Vintage Flying Museum

Wikipedia – North American T-28 Trojan

Airliners.net – North American T-28 Trojan

Essco Links:

North American T-28

Wright R-1300

Wright R-1820

North American T-6

North American P-51 Mustang

North American B-25 Mitchell

Beech T-34 Mentor