Vultee BT-13 Valiant, Col. Greg Mahler

An American basic trainer flown by most student pilots during World War II. It was the second phase of the three phase training program for pilots. After primary training, the student pilot moved to the more complex Vultee for basic flight training. The BT-13 had larger engine and was faster and heavier than the primary trainers. It required the student pilot to use two way radio and to operate landing flaps and a two-position variable pitch propeller. A variant is the BT-15.

BT-13 Facts

Crew: two, student and instructor

Length: 28 ft 10 in

Wingspan: 42 ft 0 in

Height: 9 ft 1 in

Empty weight: 2,976 lb

Loaded weight: 3,991 lb

Engine: 1 x P & W R-985, 450 hp

Maximum speed: 180 mph

Cruise Speed: 135 mph

Stall speed: 70 mph

Range: 725 miles

Service ceiling: 21,650 ft

Stinson L-5 Sentinel, Col. Rodney Davis

An American liaison, observation, and air ambulance aircraft that was a redesign of the pre-war Stinson model 105 that entered into service with the US Army Air Forces in World War II. It also flew in the artillery spotter role.  Personnel in all service branches commonly referred to it as the "Flying Jeep".  The L-5 was primarily constructed from steel tubing and plywood and was covered with doped cotton fabric.

L-5 Facts

Crew: two, pilot and observer

Length: 24 ft 1 in

Wingspan: 34ft 0 in

Height: 7 ft 11 in

Empty weight: 1550 lb

Loaded weight: 2020 lb

Engine: 1× Lyco. O-435,185hp

Maximum speed: 130 mph

Cruise speed: 110 mph

Stall speed: 43 mph

Range: 375 nm

Service ceiling: 15,800 ft