Un, deux, trois, quatre!
All the inconveniences of the Pandemic do not seem to disturb the sale of historic aircraft as can be witnessed in France where the fourth North American T-28 Trojan is bound to appear there. This is already the fourth T-28 this year.
On 27 September 2020, T-28A N76912 (construction number 159-37) was cancelled from the US register by the FAA as exported to France. This trainer was flown by the USAF with serial 49-1525, and “buzz” number TL-525. It still retains these colours. The Trojan was sold on the civil market in 1978 and had several private owners until it was bought by Russell Sanders of Hartwell (GA).
He acquired N76912 on 19 February 2013, but has now decided to sell his Trojan. The sale to the new French owner was concluded through Courtesy Aircraft Sales. It is not known yet where, and when the T-28 will arrive in France.
As said, this new arrival is number four of this year:
- The first Trojan, T-28C BuNo 146287 (construction number 252-50) arrived at Aero Restauration Service at Dijon/Darois on 12 February 2020. The trainer, registered N28YM, is painted in its original colours like it flew with USMC VMFA-323.
- A second Trojan, T-28D NX9868A, went to Dijon/Darois too. This T-28D, former 51-3513 (construction number 174-51) is painted in basic US Navy colours.
- More recently, on 26 May 2020, the third was cancelled from the US register to be exported to France. This T-28A, registration N80696 (construction number 159-86), is destined for Alain Battisti in Melun. It was originally built for the USAF as 49-1574.
Photos: Courtesy Aircraft Sales