T-28B Trojan

The North American T‑28B Trojan, introduced in 1949, was the first production version of the T‑28 series that evolved from a piston‑engine trainer into a versatile combat and utility aircraft. Developed by North American Aviation shortly after World War II, the B model featured a 1,425 hp Wright R‑1820-56 radial engine, a strengthened airframe, and a revised cockpit with improved instrumentation for pilot training. Its low‑wing monoplane design, all‑metal construction, and retractable landing gear gave it a sleek profile and relatively high speed of about 340 km/h (210 mph). Initially employed by the United States Air Force and Navy for basic flight instruction, the T‑28B quickly proved suitable for counter‑insurgency, close‑air support, and even light transport duties in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. The aircraft’s durability, forgiving handling characteristics, and capacity to carry rockets, gun pods, or external fuel tanks made it a favorite among pilots worldwide. Over 2,000 Trojans were built, and many remain in civilian hands as warbirds or aerobatic trainers, preserving the legacy of a type that bridged the gap between propeller trainers and early jet aircraft, influencing modern military training doctrine.