The Valiant was the basic trainer used by American pilots during the Second World War.
The US Army Air Forces used the BT-13 aircraft as basic trainers during World War II. As the second of the three-phase training plan for pilots, these aircraft required the student pilot to use two-way radio communication with the ground and to operate landing flaps as well as a two-position variable pitch propeller. These aircraft were much faster and more complex than the other trainers used at the time, such as the PT-17.
During World War II, Hill Field workers maintained and overhauled the engine used in the BT-13 trainers. The BT-13 on display was disposed of as surplus just a month after its assembly in 1944. In 1992, this aircraft was fully restored and acquired by the Hill Aerospace Museum for display.
Serial Number: 42-90406
Manufacturer: Vultee Aircraft Corporation
Primary Function: Flight Training
Crew: Two (Instructor & Student)
Engines: One Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-1 Wasp Jr. 9-cylinder radial; 450 horsepower
Wingspan: 42 ft 2 in
Length: 28 ft 8 1/2 in
Height: 12 ft 4 3/8 in
Weight: 3,345 lbs; Maximum Takeoff Weight: 4,360 lbs
Speed: 166 mph; Cruising Speed: 140 mph
Range: 516 miles
Service Ceiling: 16,500 ft
Armament: None
Payload: None
Cost: $23,068 (average BT-13 cost of unit as of 1942)
Years of Service: 1940 – late 1940s
During World War II, Hill Air Force Base maintained and overhauled the engine used in the BT-13 trainers. As the most widely used training aircraft during World War II, the Valiant was vital to getting our airmen trained and prepared to take to the skies. Over the course of its lifetime, over 9,000 Valiant’s were built.
The BT-13 on display was disposed of as surplus just a month after its assembly in 1944. In 1992, this aircraft was fully restored and acquired by Hill Aerospace Museum for display.
The Valiant was the basic trainer used by American pilots during the Second World War.
In 1939, the BT-13 cost $20,000 per aircraft.
A total of 9,525 were built by Vultee Aircraft.
The Valiant had a top speed of 180 mph.