Vultee BT-13 Valiant Trainer

The Vultee BT-13 Valiant, a star among Air Force propeller planes, served as the backbone of U.S. pilot training during World War II. With its first flight in 1939, it quickly became known as the 'Vibrator' among pilots, due to the distinctive trembling of the airframe when approaching a stall. This workhorse was operational from the early 1940s, teaching thousands of pilots the essential skills needed for combat. Its robust design, featuring a Pratt & Whitney R-985 engine, made it an ideal trainer, capable of withstanding the rigors of novice hands. The BT-13 was not just a training aircraft; it was the crucible in which the aerial warriors of World War II were forged, playing a pivotal role in preparing pilots for more advanced fighters. Its legacy is not just in the pilots it trained but in its contribution to the Allied victory in World War II.