For whatever reason, the North American AT-28D was called Tora Tora and not Trojan in the Philippines.
The PhAF received over 50 T/AT-28Ds over the years and the 17th Attack Squadron under the 15th Strike Wing was the last unit operating the AT-28D untill late 1992. The last four AT-28D were used up to the end in front-line operation from the Tactical Advance Command Post at Cauayan Airport flying combat missions against CPP NPA rebels in the north of the Philippines.
The four remaining aircraft had all different colour schemes in various state of decay. 54-137701 was the most attractive of the four in an all-black scheme with high-vis markings.
It is always spectacular when an old Wright R-1820 Cyclone engine is started.
In addition to the two gun-pods, there were two 500 and 260lb general purpose bombs fitted when flying combat missions against CPP NPA rebels.
Trojan 4 was in the best condition of the four in its newly painted olive green, but lacked any kind of national markings.
Getting fueled up and undergoing an engine test before a test flight.
51-3644 was another black example, but with low-vis marking. Unfortunately, it was not serviceable during my visit.
The fourth example was without any markings (part of a serial number were faintly visible under the paint) in a worn dark olive green finish.
In addition to the two gun-pods and two 500 and 260lb general purpose bombs, this aircraft also carried a rack of 15 81mm cluster bombs.
But what about the kitchen chair you may ask. Well, I was really looking forward to taking some air-to-air pictures of these last operational PhAF AT-28Ds, just to be told by the Squadron CO upon arrival at Cauayan Airport, that this is unfortunately not possible as the seats and all instrumentation and radios had been removed from the rear cockpit!
When I suggested why not placing one of the timber chairs he had in this office to the rear cockpit, to my surprise he agreed and one of the chairs was fitted into the AT-28D with straps and after a testflight, I got the go ahead to take some air-to-air pictures sitting on a timber kitchen chair, strapped in with a rope and using a walkie talky to talk to the pilot. Needless to say that aerobatics were out of the question.
Roped-in and ready to go.
Having the canopy open and sitting on a wobbly kitchen chair was a bit scary, but the shots I got made it all worthwhile.
We all made it back safely and the next load is ready for the next mission.
This was my ride and if you look closely, you can see the backrest of the timber kitchen chair in the rear cockpit.
The following pictures show the loading of a 500lb general purpose bomb.
Spending two days with the Squadron was indeed a special experience for me. but also made me aware what military aircraft are designed for.
Thanks for watching, Cheers, Peter
) but boy, are they photogenic! 