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
Length
28 ft 10 in.
Height
11 ft 6 in.
Weight
4,496 lbs (loaded)
Maximum Speed
300 MPH
Service Ceiling
21,650 ft
Range
725 miles
Engine
One Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-1 with 450 horsepower
Crew
2
Manufacturer Vultee
Markings 14th Elementary Flying Training Detachment, Polaris Flight Academy, Lancaster, California
Serial Number 42-42353
Designation BT-13A
Pima Air & Space Museum
Creating unlimited horizons in aerospace education through the preservation and presentation of the history of flight.