When the US Air Force and Navy needed a trainer to replace the aging, World War II era T-6, the T-28 Trojan entered production in the 1950s. The new design was a far more powerful trainer than any previously built and was the first United States military trainer to use tricycle landing gear and a hydraulically-boosted, steerable nose wheel. An 800-horsepower engine powered the early Air Force version, while later models utilized a 1,425-horsepower engine.
Decades ago, Hill Air Force Base supported several T-28 missions. Once upon a time, Hill had a storage mission for a large number of aircraft, including the T-28. Furthermore, the 313th Fighter-Bomber Squadron Reserves of the Fourth Air Force relocated to Hill Air Force Base. While a tenant unit of the base for two years, the squadron operated 31 aircraft of various types, including the North American T-28 Trojan.
North American Aircraft built this T-28B in Inglewood, California, and the US Air Force accepted it on 2 May 1954. Interestingly, this aircraft was not destined to have a life in the Air Force. Shortly after Air Force acceptance, it was transferred to the US Navy and sent to Corpus Christi Naval Air Station, Texas, to begin supporting training. For three decades, it supported Navy pilot training at various naval stations across the country and then retired to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, in 1986. In 1988, the Hill Aerospace Museum acquired the aircraft for static display.
This aircraft is on loan from the U.S. Air Force Heritage Program.
Serial Number: 137749
Manufacturer: North American Aviation
Primary Function: Training
Crew: Two (Instructor and Student)
Engines: One Wright R-1820-86 radial; 1,425 horsepower
Wingspan: 40 ft 7 in
Length: 32 ft 6 in
Height: 12 ft 7 in
Weight: 6,410 lbs (empty); 8,038 lbs (maximum)
Speed: 230 mph (cruising); 346 mph (maximum)
Range: 1,060 miles
Service Ceiling: 37,000 feet
Armament: None
Years of Service: 1950 – 1960s
