This example with Khmer AF (Cambodian) markings was a recent arrival in country in 1973. Some AT-28Ds were equipped with the Yankee Extraction System, making emergency escape much more reliable and survivable than the alternative standard bailout procedure. The engine is an R-1820-86B nine cylinder radial rated at 1425 horsepower. The maximum gross weight is 13,000# which gives it a useful weapons payload of about 4,000#. The aircraft has up to 6 hard points and a typical armament load included 500# bombs, 2.75 inch rockets and up to 4, .50 cal machine guns.

Despite it's lack of streamlining, this is an extremely capable aircraft. It can out-climb and out-turn the stock P-51 Mustang, and it would likely have a faster top speed except for the "fat face" radial engine design.

Nam Phong was a U.S.M.C. operated base in Thailand, sometimes used as an auxiliary by Udorn based aircraft.

Notice that this example has no markings other than the tail number. On certain missions it was advantageous not to be immediately identified as to country of origin. Click image for a large (212K) view.

Originally designed as a trainer, T-28s were used by both The US Air Force and US Navy. The US Navy B models were painted orange and white as were their C models. Most of those used by the USAF were painted gray. The 1st SOW at Hurlburt Field, FL operated several AT-28D-5s and -10s and those were painted in Vietnam era camouflage colors. Less than half of the in-country AT-28s flown by Det 1, 56 SOW were camouflaged. For one thing, the paint added enough to the weight of the aircraft to affect performance.

The A model had an R-1300, seven cylinder radial engine rated at 800 horsepower, and the characteristic 2 blade propeller.

The last T-28As were used in foreign national undergraduate pilot training at Keesler AFB, Biloxi, MS, from January 1967 until May 1973. Both A and B models were used there, in the "Military Assistance Program" (MAP). Many A and B models were subsequently converted to Ds and were sent to SEA.