BT-13 Valiant

The BT-13 was one of several simplified versions of the more complex Vultee BT-54 Basic Trainer. It was a fixed-gear, low-wing tail-dragger with a crew of two sitting in tandem. When production ended in 1944, approximately 11,537 Valiants had been built. The BT-13 was the most widely used trainer aircraft in WWII. It was flown by most American pilots in transitioning from Primary trainers like the PT-19 to more advanced trainers like the AT-6. It was more complex than the Primary trainer and required the use of two-way radio, landing flaps and a two-position, controllable-pitch prop. The BT-13 was nick-named the “Vultee Vibrator” by its pilots for its most remarkable characteristic- a tendency to shake violently as it approached stall speed. After WWII most Valiants were scrapped but a few were sold to private owners. Today less than 50 are still airworthy, and ours is the only known BT13 in Alaska.

Our BT-13 was restored by Col. Hunt, along with four other partners and a few hired mechanics. The reconstruction work of the WWII basic trainer began in the late 1990s out of the hanger at the Nut Tree Airport in Vacaville, California.  Carefully studying every physical detail of the aircraft, the project of bringing this warbird back to life took five years and over $50,000. Once complete, it flew in local airshows until Colonel Hunt decided to buy it outright from his partners and bring in up to Alaska. One of our pilots, Ed Kornfield, flew the aircraft from California to Anchorage. The trip took 6 days. Mike would officially donate the BT-13 to the Wing in 2013.

The Col. Hunt Alaska Wing’s BT-13B, with a 1942 tail number designation, is maintained and operated through the generosity and dedication of the Alaska Wing’s volunteer members.

Available for Rides!

The BT-13 is available for rides on Saturdays at Merrill Field in Anchorage from May through October. With tandem seating, the rear passenger has unparalleled views of Anchorage and the Chugach Mountains - maybe even Denali on a clear day. 

High power, fixed gear

The BT-13 was powered by the Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-1 or the Wright R-975-11. Both engines delivered 450 hp. This allowed the Valiant to be an easy transition aircraft from the Primary Trainers of the day, such as the PT-17 or PT-22, into the more complex AT-6 Texans or Harvards (like ours!)

Powerful Trainer

After WWII most Valiants were scrapped but a few were sold to private owners. Today less than 50 are still airworthy, and ours is the only known BT13 in Alaska.