Equipped with a more powerful engine and a larger, heavier airframe than primary training aircraft, Vultee's BT-13 served an important role as a secondary-level trainer for the U.S. Army Air Corps and Navy. Designed by Vultee's Richard Palmer, the BT-13 was adapted from plans for a fighter aircraft. The prototype first flew in May of 1939, and by August 300 were on order. By war's end over 11,500 BT-13s and variants would be produced, more than any other trainer. Featuring a cantilever low-wing and fixed landing gear, the BT-13 appeared to be of all-metal construction, but it actually relied...
Equipped with a more powerful engine and a larger, heavier airframe than primary training aircraft, Vultee's BT-13 served an important role as a secon...
