Vultee BT-13 Valiant

09 Jun 2026 · © Big Mike Aviation Photography

A beautifully restored Vultee BT-13 Valiant, an iconic WWII-era trainer, displayed in striking blue and yellow livery at an airfield.

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Aircraft

BT-13 Valiant BT-13

Vintage U.S. Army Air Corps trainer (blue/yellow with star and bars)

Manufacturer

Vultee

Gear

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max back triple camera 6.765mm f/1.78

Achievements

Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Boeing Beginner, Military Maverick

4 badges earned

Photo grade

Silver

Score: 81.0

Vivid colors and sharp details, but the glider wing at left and cone at right distract from the classic trainer's impact.

Location

By tower

William T. Piper Memorial Airport · LHV/KLHV

41.1356, -77.4223

Open map

William T. Piper Memorial Airport LHV

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

The Vultee BT-13 Valiant was the basic trainer for U.S. pilots during World War II, colloquially known as the \"Vultee Vibrator\".

Fleet Rarity

One of fewer than 100 airworthy BT-13s remaining worldwide.

Record Flights

No long-haul records; used mainly for domestic pilot training 1939-1945.

Safety & Events

Known for its role in training thousands of WWII pilots; some involved in minor training incidents.

Future Outlook

Most surviving BT-13s are found in museums, flying heritage displays, or in private warbird collections.

Specifications

Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-1 radial

Engine

12.6 m

Wingspan

8.53 m

Length

1,060 km

Range

205 km/h

Speed

2 (student and instructor)

Capacity

2,190 kg

MTOW

3.3 m

Height

300 hp (224 kW)

Thrust

Approx. 84 dB, unregulated (pre-ICAO standards)

Noise