Our Aircraft’s History

North American T-28A-NA “Trojan” (S/N 51-3565; MSN #174-103) ~ This “Trojan” was built at the North American Aviation in Dallas, Texas in August 1952 and was accepted by the US Air Force on August 16, 1952. Initially put into the 3530th Pilot Training Wing at Bryan Air Force Base, Texas.  Notable dates in her history:

  • April 1956 – 3308th Pilot Training Group, Stallings Air Base, North Carolina
  • June 1957 – 3303rd Pilot Training Group, Bartow Air Base, Florida
  • April 1959 – Assigned to Aircraft Storage and Disposition Group (now AMARC), Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona
  • February 1960 – Transferred to the Military Assistance Program, then sold to the French Air Force where it was modified to a T-28S-1 “Fennec” (though sometimes referred to as a T-28F, with the “F” standing for French) and took part in The Algerian War of Independence.  Under C/S F-ZJUJ
  • June 1960 – Sold to the Moroccan Air Force
  • September 1977 – Purchased by Euroworld California
  • October 1977 – Initially sold to the Honduran Air Force
  • October 20, 1978 – Departed Morocco for Honduras
  • December 1978 – while in transit, 7 of the 8 aircraft bound for Honduras  (including ours) were stopped at NAS Lakehurst, New Jersey after the cancelling of the contract
  • June 1980 – reclaimed by Euroworld California
  • November 1983 – Transferred to MARC; registered as N8255z

In September of 1991, the “Trojan” was transferred to the MAPS Air Museum for restoration and indefinite loan from MARC.  Restoration is complete and she is maintained by Crew Chief Tony Bistransky.

Specifications/Performance

  • Role: Trainer/light attack
  • Manufacturer: North American Aviation
  • First flight: September 24, 1949
  • Introduction: June 30, 1950
  • Retired: 1994 (Philippine AF)
  • Produced: 1950-1957
  • Built: 1,948
  • Crew: 2
  • Length: 33 ft
  • Wingspan: 40 ft 1 in
  • Height: 12 ft 8 in
  • Empty Weight: 6,424 lb
  • Max takeoff weight: 8,500 lb
  • Engine: 1 x Wright R-1820-86 Cyclone 9-cylinder air-cooled radial engine, 1,425 hp
  • Max speed: 343 mph
  • Cruise speed: 230 mph
  • Ferry range: 1,060 mi
  • Service ceiling: 35,500 ft

Armament, notable

  • capable of 1,200 lbs of ordinance 

Museum display note: Our T-28A is displayed as a Navy version T-28B as it was during assignment with the long standing VT-6, “Shooters”, at NAS Whiting Field, Milton, Florida during the 1960’s.

Designed to replace: North American T-6 “Texan”

Developed from: North American XSN2J

Replaced by: Beechcraft T-34C “Mentor”