During and immediately following WWII, the Air Force tapped into the vast knowledge of NAA for the purpose of developing the next generation, high performance, advanced trainer to serve as a successor to the NAA T-6/SNJ Texan. The result was the T-28 Trojan series and the "A" was the first model. 1,194 "A" models were built with the Wright R-1300, 800 hp engine, and the Aero Product 2-blade propeller. The Air Force used these aircraft for training and various other roles from 1950 to 1956. The "A" model also replaced the Mustang fighters in the reserve units until 1959.

In 1952, the Navy was impressed enough with the rugged Trojan that it contracted with NAA to build an improved version. The improved version was the T-28B. The "B" came equipped with the mighty Wright Cyclone R-1820, 1425 hp engine, Hamilton Standard 3-blade propeller, belly mounted speed brake, and many other changes and improvements. 489 "B" models were built and used from the middle 50's to the middle 80's.

In addition to the "B" model, the T-28C was built for the Navy starting in 1955. The T-28C is equipped with a tail hook, a smaller diameter propeller, and other minor changes to allow aircraft carrier landings. 299 "C" models were manufactured with production ending in 1957.

In 1959, several hundred surplus "A" models were shipped to France and were modified with the R-1820 engine, structural improvements, and armament for combat use, by Sud Aviation for the French Air Force. These aircraft are commonly referred as FENNEC, T-28S (Sud), or T-28F. After success in combat in Algeria in the early sixties, they continued to serve France and several other countries for many years.

Similar to the FENNEC but converted by various contractors in the U.S., the T-28D-5 also started as a surplus "A" model. Almost 250 "D" models were supplied to U.S. and other forces fighting in Southeast Asia. Additionally, "B" & "C" models, known as the T-28D-10, were also modified and used in combat.

In current civilian use, the T-28 continues to gain in popularity. It looks, sounds, and performs comparable to a WWII fighter at a fraction of the cost. With its two roomy cockpits, tricycle landing gear, huge flaps, and superb flying characteristics, general aviation pilots can learn how to operate this aircraft. In addition, maintenance and parts availability remains reasonable with plenty of technical support available. We believe the North American T-28 Trojan will continue to be one of the best Warbird values!

As most T-28's have been flying civilian since the middle 80's, they have had a chance to be brought up to a reasonable level of condition. Condition ranges from stock basic Trojans to lavish restorations, loaded with avionics & civilian modifications such as preoilers, clean kits, Cleveland wheel & brake conversions, and many more. Price will vary widely depending on a combination of these factors.

All Trojans were designed and built to be long lasting and mechanic friendly. Over a 40 year time period, aircraft total time can be well over 15,000 flight hours; however, airframes suffer no problems with wear or fatigue. In fact, an NAA study for the U.S. Navy placed an arbitrary airframe time limit of 37,500 hours!

Insurance remains reasonable with a liability policy around $1,000 per year and hull coverage adding about 2% per year of the hull value. Several underwriters are aggressively offering coverage as the safety and claims records are outstanding.

"Naval Fighters #5/North American T-28 Trojan", publisher/author Steven J. Ginter

"Final Tour of Duty - North American’s T-28 Trojan", Specialty Press (Order by phone 612-583-3239)