HISTORY
DISTINCTION
The Museum’s BT-13B was in the final production run of the Vultee basic trainer, manufactured in Downey, California and delivered in January 1944. It was flown to Oscoda Army Air Field, Michigan, where it supported the operational training for members of the Free French Air Force. In 1951, Bob Irwin, founder of Corona, CA based Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co., purchased the surplus aircraft for only $700. In 1963, he sold it to a buyer in Texas. In 2015, Bob’s two sons, Jim and John Irwin, located the BT-13B and bought it back. After a meticulous restoration by Aero Trader in Chino, the Irwin family kindly donated it to Planes of Fame.
SPECIFICATIONS
Status: Flyable |
Manufacturer: Vultee Aircraft Corporation |
Year: 1944 |
Model: BT-13B Valiant |
Registration Number: N54822 |
Serial Number: 42-90054 (Mfg. # 79-947) |
Crew: 1 or 2 (Instructor & Student) |
Max T/O Weight: 4,496 lbs. |
Span: 42 ft. 2 in. |
Length: 28 ft. 8.5 in. |
Height: 12 ft. 4 3/4 in. |
Maximum Speed: 155 mph |
Cruise Speed: 130 mph |
Rate of Climb: 1,562 ft/min |
Power Plant: one, 450-hp Pratt & Whitney R-985, 9-cylinder air-cooled radial engine |
Range: 880 miles |
Service Ceiling: 19,400 ft. |
Armament: None |