Vultee BT-13 (BT-15) "Valiant"

The "Valiant" was the basic trainer most widely used by the USAAF during WW II. It represented the second of the three stages of pilot training--primary, basic and advanced. Compared with the primary trainers in use at the time, it was considerably more complex. The BT-13 not only had a more powerful engine, it was also faster and heavier. In addition, it required the student pilot to use two-way radio communications with the ground, operate landing flaps and a two-position variable pitch propeller.

Nicknamed the "Vibrator" by the pilots who flew it, the BT-13 was powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-985 engine. But to counter the shortage of these engines early in the BT-13 production program, 1,693 Valiants were produced in 1941-2 with a Wright R-975 engine and were designated as BT-15s. By the end of WW II, 10,375 BT-13s and BT-15s had been accepted by the AAF.

The BT-13 on display, one of 1,775 -Bs built, was acquired from Mr. Raymond Brandly of West Carrollton, Ohio in 1965.

SPECIFICATIONS
Span: 42 ft. 2 in.
Length: 28 ft. 8 1/2 in.
Height: 12 ft. 4 3/4 in.
Weight: 4,227 lbs. loaded
Armament: None
Engine: Pratt & Whitney R-985 of 450 hp.
Crew: Two (instructor & student)
Cost: $20,000
Serial number: 42-90629

PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed: 155 mph.
Cruising speed: 130 mph.
Range: 880 miles
Service Ceiling: 19,400 ft.