Origins and Development
The BT series aircraft (BT-1 and BT-2) were essentially re-engineered O-2 and O-32 reconnaissance planes, which formed the backbone of US reconnaissance aviation during the interwar period. The first model, the BT-1, emerged in 1929, built upon the O-2K. It was distinguished by its lack of armament and a Liberty V-1650-1 engine producing 420 hp. A total of 40 BT-1 aircraft were modified.
The BT-2 modification was created by converting all O-32 reconnaissance aircraft (which were themselves modernized O-2Ks) into training variants. Externally, they were identical, with the exception that the BT-2 featured an engine cowling. The first prototype of the BT-2 aircraft (serial number 29-218) underwent testing in 1932.
Production and Experimental Conversions
Series production of the BT-2 began in 1936, with a total of 146 aircraft of this type built (serial numbers 31-001 – 31-046), including modifications BT-2A, BT-2BI, and BT-2C. In 1940, an idea arose to convert some of these machines into unmanned radio-controlled targets. Two production BT-2C aircraft underwent this modification, receiving the designations BT-2BR and BT-2CR. A distinguishing feature of these experimental versions was their tricycle landing gear.
However, these target drone variants were not mass-produced, as specialized target aircraft from the Culver company had already successfully completed testing by that time.
Operational Use
The BT-2 aircraft were actively used in the late 1930s for pilot training. Notably, in December 1941, several BT-2BI planes were still part of various squadrons stationed at Pearl Harbor (the 45th and 46th Fighter Squadrons, which were also armed with P-36A and P-40B fighters), although the majority flew within the continental United States.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | BT-2B |
| Wingspan, m | 12.19 |
| Length, m | 9.50 |
| Height, m | 3.20 |
| Wing area, m2 | 33.63 |
| Empty weight | 1324 |
| Normal takeoff weight | 1843 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 1845 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Pratt & Whitney R-1340-11 |
| Power, hp | 1 x 450 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 216 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 188 |
| Practical range, km | 515 |
| Practical ceiling, m | 5850 |
| Crew | 2 |
Image and diagram gallery of the BT Series Aircraft (BT-1 and BT-2)
 BT-1(2) |
 BT-1(2) |
 BT-1(2) |
 BT-1(2) |
 BT-1(2) |
 BT-1(2) |
 BT-1(2) |