Estrella WarBirds Museum

Regarded as the most attractive of the low-wing trainers of World War 2, this series produced by Vultee from 1940 to 1944 far out-numbered all other basic trainers, and was used in this capacity by all services to transition fledgling aviators into higher horsepower ships.

Developed as a private speculative venture by Vultee as their Model 54, Army acceptance came in September 1939 of one prototype BC-3, a higher horsepower version with retractable gear. After service trials, an initial contract was placed for 300 planes with fixed gear to be designated BT-13A Valiant. This was followed by more contracts as the ship proved to be ideally suited for its role, with a total production of 6,407. Also built were 1,125 BT-13Bs with a 24-volt electrical system.

US Navy evaluation in 1940 brought a contract for 1,350 slightly lighter Model 74s to be designated SNV-1, then 650 more similar to BT-13B, designated SNV-2.

Roomy, relatively docile, and dependable, the Valiant soon acquired the popular nickname by its pilots of "Vibrator" for its maverick actions in stall buffeting. Fully aerobatic, heavy- handed cadets quickly learned more judicous and sensitive use of the controls, and made their transition into Advanced trainers much easier. Well regarded for its physical integrity, there were no recorded in-flight structural failures — which is quite remarkable considering its use.

Manufactured by Vultee Aircraft Inc, Nashville TN.