Designation: BT-13A

VULTEE BT-13A VALIANT

VULTEE BT-13A VALIANT

A picture of the Vultee BT-13A Valiant

Virtually every potential pilot trained by the Army Air Force in World War II did their Basic Flight course in a BT-13.  The Valiant was an excellent trainer for new pilots since it had very docile handling characteristics.  One feature of the aircraft that was not appreciated led to its unflattering nickname “Vibrator.”  In high speed flight the canopy rattled in a disconcerting manner that tended to distract new pilots.  The first BT-13s entered Army service in 1939 and eventually more than 11,000 were built. 

Wingspan 42 ft

Wingspan

Length 28 ft 10 in.

Length

Height 11 ft 6 in.

Height

Weight 4,496 lbs (loaded)

Weight

Max. Speed 300 MPH

Maximum Speed

Service Ceiling 21,650 ft

Service Ceiling

Range 725 miles

Range

Engines One Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-1 with 450 horsepower

Engine

Crew 2

Crew


Manufacturer
Vultee

Markings
14th Elementary Flying Training Detachment, Polaris Flight Academy, Lancaster, California

Serial Number
42-42353

Designation
BT-13A

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