Basler BT-67

Last updated
BT-67
590 Douglas DC-3 Fuerza Aerea Guatemalteca (7468281124).jpg
A BT-67 of the Guatemalan Air Force
Role Utility aircraft
National originUnited States
ManufacturerBasler Turbo Conversions
First flight1990
Statusin service
Produced1990–present [1]
Number built68 [2]
Developed from Douglas DC-3

The Basler BT-67 is a utility aircraft produced by Basler Turbo Conversions of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It is a remanufactured and modified Douglas C-47 (DC-3); the modifications are designed to significantly extend the DC-3's serviceable lifetime.

Contents

Design and development

Basler Turbo Conversions was founded in 1990 solely focused on converting existing C-47 airframes into the BT-67. [1] Basler configures each new build to the client's specifications. Industries served include cargo, military, cloudseeding, and scientific research. [3] [4] The conversion includes fitting the airframe with new Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67R turboprop engines, [5] lengthening the fuselage, strengthening the airframe, upgrading the avionics, and making modifications to the wing leading edges and wingtips.

Due to the higher fuel consumption of the turbine engines of the BT-67, compared to the original piston designs fitted to the standard DC-3, range on the standard fuel tank, with 45 minute reserve, is reduced from 1,160 to 950 nautical miles (2,150 to 1,760 km). Basler provides a long-range fuel tank which increases the aircraft range to 2,140 nmi (3,960 km). [3]

Gunship version

The Basler BT-67 has a gunship version used by the Colombian Aerospace Force as of 2017. [6] The Colombian gunships are equipped with a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) ball, enabling the aircraft to conduct effective nighttime missions. [7]

Operators

A BT-67 of the Royal Thai Air Force B.L2k-09 47 (46159) (25092318687).jpg
A BT-67 of the Royal Thai Air Force
Basler BT-67 conversion No.1, N200AN of World Air Logistics, at Missoula, Montana in 2000 Basler BT-67 (DC-3) at Missoula, Montana.jpg
Basler BT-67 conversion No.1, N200AN of World Air Logistics, at Missoula, Montana in 2000

Military

Flag of Colombia.svg  Colombia
Flag of El Salvador.svg  El Salvador
Flag of Guatemala.svg  Guatemala
Flag of Mali.svg  Mali
Flag of Mauritania.svg  Mauritania
Flag of Thailand.svg  Thailand

Civilian

Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg  China
Flag of Germany.svg  Germany
Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States

Accidents and incidents

As of 2019, a total of 15 BT-67 aircraft have been involved in crashes or other incidents since the 1990s.[ citation needed ]

Specifications (BT-67)

Data from Born Again Basler [18] and Jane's Civil and Military Aircraft Upgrades 1994–95 [19]

General characteristics

Performance

See also

Related development

Related lists

Related Research Articles

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References

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