BT-15 Valiant

The Vultee BT‑15 Valiant was a United States Army Air Corps advanced trainer developed during World War II. Derived from the earlier BT‑13, the BT‑15 incorporated a more powerful 450‑hp Pratt & Whitney R‑985 radial engine, giving it improved climb rate and higher top speed of 185 mph. First flown in 1942, the aircraft entered production at Vultee’s facility in Dowagiac, Michigan, and later at the company's plant in Nashville, Tennessee. Over 2,500 units were built, serving alongside the BT‑13 and BT‑14 in pilot‑training schools across the country. Its rugged all‑metal construction, low‑wing configuration, and forgiving handling made it ideal for transitioning cadets from basic trainers to combat‑type aircraft. The BT‑15 featured a simple cockpit with dual controls, a fixed‑gear undercarriage, and detachable wing panels for easy maintenance. Although it never saw combat, the Valiant played a crucial role in preparing thousands of Allied pilots for the rigors of front‑line aircraft such as the P‑51 Mustang and B‑17 Flying Fortress. Today, a handful of restored BT‑15s appear at airshows, symbolizing the vital but often overlooked training backbone of the wartime aviation effort. Their legacy endures in modern flight training philosophies.

Vultee Aircraft

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