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

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 ForceSend us Fan MailThanks for watching CAF Warbird Tube — where history takes flight. You can join us live for upcoming broadcasts by registering at www.WarbirdTube.com. The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is dedicated to Educating, Inspiring, and Honoring through flight and living history experiences. Programs like this help preserve and share the stories of aviation history — and we couldn’t do it without your support.To learn more or get involved, visit www.CommemorativeAirForce.org.Thanks for helping us keep history flying.