The T-28 was designed to replace the North American T-6 Texan as a basic trainer for the US military. The initial production version was the T-28A which entered service with the USAF in 1950. The T-28B (489 built) was powered by a 1425hp(1062kW) Wright and had a maximum take-off weight of 8500lb(3856kg). The T-28C (299 built) was similar to the T-28B but had an arrester hook for deck landings. Both of these versions were for the US Navy. The T-28D was a conversion of existing T-28A’s for the counter-insurgency role, 393 being re-engined with the 1425hp Wright and given underwing hardpoints. A similar conversion was carried out in France by Sud-Aviation who converted 245 T-28D’s to T-28 Fennec standard. The Fennec was used by the French in Algeria for close support. A small number remain airworthy in the United States, New Zealand and France.

                                  N556EB                  c/n                                USA  Photo: Henk Wadman

2 seat military trainer first flown in 1949

Engine: 800hp(597kW) Wright R-1300-1                                                                                        Length: 32’10"(10.0m)                                                                                        Height: 12’8"(3.86m)Wingspan: 40’0"(12.19m)                                                                                             No.built: 1194 Range: 1000miles(1609km)                                                            Cruising speed: 190mph(305kmh) Empty weight: 5111lb(2320kg)                                              Maximum take-off weight: 6759lb(3068kg)

A T-28C is illustrated below.

NX462NA                c/n 140570