CAF Warbird Tube

CAF Warbird Tube - Back to Basics: Restoring the Vultee Valiant

Commemorative Air Force

The Vultee BT-13 Valiant—nicknamed the “Vultee Vibrator”—was the backbone of pilot training during World War II. Nearly every U.S. Army Air Forces combat pilot first learned to fly in this trainer, including thousands who trained at Walnut Ridge Army Airfield in Arkansas.

 In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we spotlight the Razorback Wing’s ambitious ground-up restoration of their 1941 BT-13A. Discover how volunteers are working to return this aircraft to its iconic blue-and-yellow pre-war colors, honor the legacy of the 4,600 cadets who graduated at Walnut Ridge, and inspire new generations with the roar of a living trainer once again. You can watch this as a video at https://youtu.be/3RbYfLVFzI0.

  • Aired on: November 12, 2025 
  • Guests: Robert Lashbrook, Matt Anderson
  •  Host: Steve Buss 
  • Producers: Nate Dissaro, Blaine Seaboalt 
  • Produced by: Commemorative Air Force

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