The warbird movement is responsible for returning many derelict T-28s to servicable condition. Probably the best book on the subject is Final Tour of Duty by Robert Genat, published by Specialty Press. All pictures on this page are � 1996 Robert Genat and used with the permission of Specialty Press. Please respect their copyright.
This is an exceptionally well restored T-28 in Tactical Air Command camoflage. The back seat pilot is a former RLAF pilot who has over 2,500 hours in the airplane.
The inverted triangle visible in several photos indicates the presence of a Yankee seat, which used a rocket to extract the pilot from the aircraft. Unlike an ejection seat, the seat remained in the aircraft. A close inspection of the photographs indicates that there isn't actually an extraction seat in the airplane.
This airplane is supposed to be a T28D-5, converted from an A model. There's only one problem. Notice the speed brake behind the wing. Neither an A or a D-5 had a speed brake. In all probability this aircraft was assembled from parts which included a B.
T-28s were used by many air forces. As they retired the airplane from service it has provided a ready pool of T-28s. That, combined with the cost has made it quite popular in warbird circles.
There is one potential danger in flying the T-28. If it hasn't had the necessary wing modifications at some point the wings are likely to separate from the airplane. It's fairly easy to tell a modified airplane if you can gain access to the spar cap ends in the center of the wing. The modification involves replacing the original spar cap end with a rather boxy stainless steel glove.
In Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam this color scheme was normally used. The Thai also used a grey paint scheme. There were exceptions with the 606th Air Commando Squadron which used night camoflage in 1967 and 1968 being an example.
The T-28 was fully aerobatic; however, the oil system was not designed for inverted flight so you didn't fly upside down for long. Like all radial engines in their original configuration it spewed oil out both sides. Many warbirders have installed clean kits which control the R-1820's dripping.
This shot shows the T-28 to good advantage and is far more accurate than most warbird paint jobs. The camoflage scheme was used at Hurlburt Field in the late 60s through early 70s.
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