North American T-28S Fennec 119/N14113 “Little Rascal”

Copyright John Allan by kind permission

Built as a T-28a for the USAF in 1951 with the serial number 51-7545, “Little Rascal” is one of only two T-28 aircraft based in the UK. The T-28 was the winner in the competition to replace the T-6 Texan as primary trainer in the USAF and made its first flight on 26th September 1949. Much design work went into the layout of the cockpit and controls and a tricycle undercarriage was adopted. These design features were incorporated to make transition onto the more advanced T-33 jet trainer and ultimately the F86 Sabre jet fighter as simple as possible. Power comes from a Wright R-1820-76B 9 cylinder radial engine of 1425hp, giving the aircraft a top speed of 283mph. The T-28a had provision to carry bombs or rockets under the wings and two 0.5 inch machine guns. Following American service this aeroplane was sold to the French Air force and converted into a ground attack aircraft at Sud Aviation at St.Nazaire for use in Algeria. Upon disposal in 1967 the T-28 moved to the Haitian Air Force, serving as serial number 1236 until 1978. It moved to the USA in 1979 and was civilianised. After a number of years of operation the aircraft was sold to Radial Revelation Ltd. and ferried to the Aircraft Restoration Company at Duxford arriving in late 1997. A thorough maintenance check was carried out and the previous USAF colours were replaced by a French Air Force North African scheme. Despite its size the T-28 is a sprightly mover and is instantly recognisable by its distinctive engine noise.