Cross referenced from BT-13 thread. There is now a BT-9 Yale on the market. For new folks, that's a fixed gear T-6 with a Wright 975 440 hp engine (as opposed to the T-6 600 hp R-1340). The specs are very much like a BT-13, except the BT-9 has tanks so the wet wing is not a problem. They also cruise about 130 - 140 at about 20 gph. Again, manual flaps and fixed gear suggest lower maintenance, but I am unfamiliar with the Wright 975. The PW 985 is reputed s bulletproof, but never heard much on the W975. This paticular model painted as a prewar BT at Randolph AFB, so it is rather attractive. The interior is nice and original. Any experience with W-975s? Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I'm sure SWITCHES could tell you a little about them. Warning, he's not a big fan of Wright engines, at least the big ones..........................
Some years back there was a guy here in Seattle that had a Yale that was pretty nice but it was natural metal. He sold it and I'm wondering if this is the one. Neat airplane and as I said, the R975 is one of the better Wrights in my opinion. Switches
The Navy had great success with the 975's in their Yellow Perils and as far as I know , it is a tough engine. Russ, you have a PM. Switches
I must say, if this thing cruises at 10 gph less than a T-6 with only a 10 mph penalty, that will be tempting....
If I had the money and the youth I would go with the BT-9. A great little airplane. I must correct my referring to the use of an R975 in the N3N. My 80 plus years catch up to me at times. The R760 was in the N3N not the R975 BUT they were very similar in concept but different in size. Both were pretty good engines. I'm a P&W lover. All their engines were and are great up to and including the gas turbines. Switches
So the plane we both want is a PW985 engined BT-14.... I know there was a guy in Va putting a 985 on a Yale to replicate a BT-14, but do not know what happened to him. It's funny you should mention age and all - being as I tend to hold onto things for a while (have had the Mondial 11 years as second owner), I am very concerned that I need to make this purchase a good strategic one for the next 10 years as well. On that note - the owner said the infamous T-6 Wing AD DID NOT apply to the BT-9. Hmmmmmm.....
Gosh, Russ, you just keep the goodies coming ! I hadn't thought about the BT-14. Now, with a P&W up front, fixed gear, and a good history....... Switches
These airplanes bring back the thrill of the Army Air Force that grabbed me when I was a weeny kid. The blue and yellow color scheme, the teardrop fairings behind the wheels and the black " U.S.Army" under the wings. We're talking 1935-1939 and what an eciting time it was for a kid who was nuts about flying. That would be so great to own one now to fly around to air shows. Unique machines and very good. Switches
That would be fun but I'll let you do it and tell me about it. Thanks. I know that it will be a good one. Switches
Headed up to Cleveland to see this plane on Nov 4th. Will report back with photos. Although I had an SNJ years ago, this perhaps might be better to get back in the saddle than a 6 to bring the skills back. Should be similar to BT-13 with ops costs and performance, except this plane has tanks as opposed to the BT wet center. Big question mark for me is the Wright engine. It's certificated experimental - I've never had one of those. Any advice/experience with experimental certificated old planes like this? I would NOT be doing any serious cross country - mostly local training (which I enjoy). So if it is experimental, could I re-engine it with a 985 Pratt and call it a BT-14? (or a 1340 and call it an NJ-1 -- just kidding) All advice welcome. Image Unavailable, Please Login
