Save-The-Trojan

This T-28A aircraft which is currently on display in our museum was used for over three decades in ground-breaking weather research, and played a pivotal role in the development of current weather forecasting and climate science. After being structurally reinforced to withstand up to 3-inch hailstones, it was outfitted with weather instruments, mounted under the wings, that gathered important storm data. Among these was the “hail catcher”, which as its name implies collected hail stones for size and composition analysis, and was recently featured on “Mysteries at the Museum” on the Travel Channel. Our armored T-28 was literally the only aircraft in the world designed to penetrate high-category severe thunderstorms, eventually flying into those producing tornadoes. In 2005, it was officially retired, and plans were made to put it on display at another museum. These plans changed, and it was sold and stripped for spare parts. When we learned about this, we arranged to get what remained of the aircraft and bring it to Norman for exhibit in our museum which is dedicated to preserving such important weather artifacts.

When we received it, the engine, propeller, nose landing gear, and all internal components including instrumentation had been removed and sold. The aircraft came with its detached wings and tail section, and we have been able to find replacement parts for those cannibalized. Reassembling the T-28 is the project’s focus, and funding would be used to purchase parts and restore it to its original condition.

Please enjoy the video and see our plane as it once was and could be again with your support. Thank you.