North American Aviation T-28 Trojan

Single Piston

The North American T-28 Trojan is a piston-powered military trainer that served as the U.S. Air Force and Navy's primary advanced trainer from the early 1950s through the 1970s. Designed to bridge the gap between basic trainers and frontline fighters, the Trojan introduced student pilots to high-performance handling, retractable landing gear, and the demands of formation flying. Its robust airframe and powerful Wright R-1820 radial engine—producing 1,425 horsepower in the most common variants—gave it performance characteristics closer to World War II fighters than to typical trainers of its era. The T-28 became one of the most successful trainer aircraft ever built, with over 1,900 produced across multiple variants including the Navy's carrier-capable T-28C and the counter-insurgency T-28D used extensively in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. Beyond military service, the Trojan found a second life in civilian hands as a warbird favorite and aerobatic performer. Its combination of speed, agility, and that distinctive radial engine roar made it a staple at airshows, while its relatively forgiving handling and robust construction appealed to private owners. The type remains popular in the warbird community today, prized for its authentic military pedigree and spirited performance. With a never-exceed speed of 350 knots and a maximum structural cruising speed of 280 knots, the Trojan delivers genuine high-performance flying while remaining accessible to experienced civilian pilots. SkyMeter has tracked flights across airframes and operators, with among the observed operators.