North American T28C Cockpit
Next is a T-28C produced by North American Aviation (NAA), known as the producer of the finest military aircraft of the World War II era — including the P-51 Mustang fighter (see earlier images) and the B-25 Mitchell bomber. During and immediately following the war, the Air Force approached NAA to produce a next generation, high performance advanced trainer. That A model led to B and C models for the Navy for training pilots for carrier-based operations. Many of these trainers were later upgraded, this unit is now powered by a Wright Cyclone R-1820-86B engine, producing 1425 HP. The domed cockpit allowed clear vision in all directions for both the student pilot and the flight instructor. My brother-in-law recognized the tail insignia and told me that during his Navy service, that squadron was at his base. It is the VF-84 Jolly Rogers. The squadron was active from 1955 until 1995 when it was disestablished (Navy-speak not mine) due to the downsizing after the end of the Cold War.
Size: 6871px × 4581px
Location: Mesa, AZ, USA
Photo credit: © B. David Cathell / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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