T-28C Trojan

The North American Aviation T‑28C Trojan is a two‑seat, piston‑engine trainer that entered service in the early 1950s. Developed from the earlier T‑28A and B models, the C variant was introduced in 1955 as a dedicated instrument‑training aircraft for the United States Air Force and the United States Navy. Powered by a 1,425‑horsepower Wright R‑1820‑C5G radial engine, the Trojan combined a robust all‑metal airframe with a low‑wing configuration, providing stable handling at both low and high speeds. Its tandem cockpit featured dual controls, adjustable rudders and a fully articulated canopy, allowing student pilots to practice instrument procedures, navigation and basic aerobatics under realistic conditions. The T‑28C’s retractable landing gear, hydraulic brakes and de‑icing equipment made it suitable for year‑round operations on a variety of airfields. Over 2,000 units were built, and the type served in pilot‑training schools worldwide, shaping the skills of a generation of aviators during the Cold War. Even after its military retirement, the Trojan remains popular in the civilian vintage community, celebrated for its ruggedness, forgiving flight characteristics, and iconic presence in aviation history. Its legacy continues to inspire modern trainer design and preserves the spirit of mid‑century military aviation.