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{{Short description|Douglas DC-3 modified with turboprop engines}}
{{Short description|Douglas DC-3 modified with turboprop engines}}
⚫
{{Infobox aircraft
{{pp|small=yes}}
| image = File:590 Douglas DC-3 Fuerza Aerea Guatemalteca (7468281124).jpg
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
⚫
| caption = A BT-67 of the [[Guatemalan Air Force]]
|name= BT-67
| name = BT-67
|image= File:B.L2k-09 47 (46159) (25092318687).jpg
⚫
| type = [[Utility aircraft]]
⚫
|caption= A BT-67 of the [[Royal Thai Air Force]]
⚫
| national_origin = United States
⚫
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
⚫
| manufacturer = Basler Turbo Conversions
⚫
|type= [[Utility aircraft]]
| first_flight = 1990
⚫
|national origin= United States
⚫
| status = In service
⚫
|manufacturer= Basler Turbo Conversions
⚫
| produced = 1990–present<ref name="baslerturbo.com">{{cite web | url=https://www.baslerturbo.com/history.html | title=History }}</ref>
|first flight= 1990
⚫
| number_built = 68<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.proplinerinfoexchange.com/1-dc-3_news.htm | title=DC-3 News }}</ref>
⚫
|status= in service
| developed_from = [[Douglas DC-3]] <br> [[Douglas C-47 Skytrain]]
⚫
|produced= 1990-present<ref name="baslerturbo.com">{{cite web | url=https://www.baslerturbo.com/history.html | title=History }}</ref>
⚫
|number built= 68<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.proplinerinfoexchange.com/1-dc-3_news.htm | title=DC-3 News }}</ref>
|developed from= [[Douglas DC-3]]
}}
}}
|}


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


==Design and development==
==Design and development==
Basler Turbo Conversions was founded in 1990 solely focus on converting existing C-47 airframes into the BT-67.<ref name="baslerturbo.com">{{cite web | url=https://www.baslerturbo.com/history.html | title=History }}</ref> Basler custom configures each new build to the clients specifications. Industries served include cargo, military, cloudseeding, scientific research, and various other applications.<ref name="BT-67 Worldwide">{{Cite web |url=http://www.baslerturbo.com/power-and-performance.html |title=Power and Performance |access-date=2015-07-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701141510/http://www.baslerturbo.com/power-and-performance.html |archive-date=2015-07-01 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.baslerturbo.com/bt-67-worldwide.html | title=BT-67 Worldwide }}</ref> The conversion includes fitting the airframe with new [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6|Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67R]] [[turboprop]] engines, lengthening the [[fuselage]], strengthening the [[airframe]], upgrading the [[avionics]], and making modifications to the wing [[leading edge]]s and [[wingtip]]s.
Basler Turbo Conversions was founded in 1990 solely focused on converting existing C-47/DC-3 airframes into the BT-67.<ref name="baslerturbo.com">{{cite web | url=https://www.baslerturbo.com/history.html | title=History }}</ref> Basler configures each new build to the client's specifications. Industries served include cargo, military, cloudseeding, and scientific research.<ref name="BT-67 Worldwide">{{Cite web |url=http://www.baslerturbo.com/power-and-performance.html |title=Power and Performance |access-date=2015-07-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701141510/http://www.baslerturbo.com/power-and-performance.html |archive-date=2015-07-01 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.baslerturbo.com/bt-67-worldwide.html | title=BT-67 Worldwide }}</ref> The conversion includes fitting the airframe with new [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6|Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67R]] [[turboprop]] engines,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Spaeth |first1=Andreas |title=Making old new again: Reinventing the legendary Douglas DC 3 |url=https://aeroreport.de/en/aviation/making-old-new-again-reinventing-the-legendary-douglas-dc-3 |website=AEROREPORT |publisher=MTU Aero Engines |access-date=9 January 2024 |date=February 2023}}</ref> lengthening the [[fuselage]], strengthening the [[airframe]], upgrading the [[avionics]], and making modifications to the wing [[leading edge]]s and [[wingtip]]s.


Due to the slightly 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 {{convert|1160|to|950|nmi|km}}. Basler provides a long-range fuel tank which increases the aircraft range to {{convert|2140|nmi|km|abbr=on}}.<ref name="BT-67 Worldwide" />
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 {{convert|1160|to|950|nmi|km}}. Basler provides a long-range fuel tank which increases the aircraft range to {{convert|2140|nmi|km|abbr=on}}.<ref name="BT-67 Worldwide" />


===Gunship version===
===Gunship version===
The Basler BT-67 has a [[gunship]] version used by the Air Forces of [[Colombian Air Force|Colombia]] {{as of|2017|lc=yes}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Aeronave AC47 Fantasma culmina fase de inspección mayor en CAMAN|url=https://www.fac.mil.co/aeronave-ac47-fantasma-culmina-fase-de-inspecci%C3%B3n-mayor-en-caman-1|publisher=Colombian Air Force|access-date=10 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811105309/https://www.fac.mil.co/aeronave-ac47-fantasma-culmina-fase-de-inspecci%C3%B3n-mayor-en-caman-1|archive-date=11 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Colombian gunships are equipped with a [[forward-looking infrared]] (FLIR) ball, enabling the aircraft to conduct effective nighttime missions.<ref>{{cite web|title=Colombia's AC-47T Fantasmas Are Still Going Strong|url=https://warisboring.com/colombias-ac-47t-fantasmas-are-still-going-strong/|website=War Is Boring|access-date=16 August 2017|date=3 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816233649/https://warisboring.com/colombias-ac-47t-fantasmas-are-still-going-strong/|archive-date=16 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
The Basler BT-67 has a [[gunship]] version used by the [[Colombian Aerospace Force]] {{as of|2017|lc=yes}} for [[counterinsurgency operations]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Aeronave AC47 Fantasma culmina fase de inspección mayor en CAMAN|url=https://www.fac.mil.co/aeronave-ac47-fantasma-culmina-fase-de-inspecci%C3%B3n-mayor-en-caman-1|publisher=Colombian Air Force|access-date=10 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811105309/https://www.fac.mil.co/aeronave-ac47-fantasma-culmina-fase-de-inspecci%C3%B3n-mayor-en-caman-1|archive-date=11 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/basler-bt-67-utility-aircraft-usa/?cf-view&cf-closed|title=Basler BT-67 Utility Aircraft, USA|date=2024-04-26|access-date=2024-09-02|website=Airforce Technology|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901225429/https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/basler-bt-67-utility-aircraft-usa/|archive-date=2024-09-01|quote=The Mauritania Air Force employs it for logistical support, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) tasks while the Colombian Air Force uses it as a gunship for counterinsurgency operations.}}</ref> The Colombian gunships are equipped with a [[forward-looking infrared]] (FLIR) ball, enabling the aircraft to conduct effective nighttime missions.<ref>{{cite web|title=Colombia's AC-47T Fantasmas Are Still Going Strong|url=https://warisboring.com/colombias-ac-47t-fantasmas-are-still-going-strong/|website=War Is Boring|access-date=16 August 2017|date=3 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816233649/https://warisboring.com/colombias-ac-47t-fantasmas-are-still-going-strong/|archive-date=16 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2024/argentina-to-reinforce-antarctic-operations-with-us-basler-bt-67-aircraft|title=Argentina to reinforce Antarctic operations with US Basler BT-67 aircraft.|date=2024-04-19|access-date=2024-09-01|website=Army Recognition|language=en|quote=In addition, a gunship version of the Basler BT-67 has been in use by the Colombian Aerospace Force since 2017. These aircraft, equipped with a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) ball, enhance their capability for nighttime missions.}}</ref>


==Operators==
==Operators==
[[File:590 Douglas DC-3 Fuerza Aerea Guatemalteca (7468281124).jpg|thumb|A BT-67 with the [[Guatemalan Air Force]]]]
[[File:B.L2k-09 47 (46159) (25092318687).jpg|thumb|A BT-67 of the [[Royal Thai Air Force]]]]

[[File:Basler BT-67 (DC-3) at Missoula, Montana.jpg|thumb|right|Basler BT-67 conversion No.1, N200AN of World Air Logistics, at Missoula Montana in 2000]]
[[File:Basler BT-67 (DC-3) at Missoula, Montana.jpg|thumb|right|Basler BT-67 conversion No. 1, N200AN of World Air Logistics, at [[Missoula, Montana]] in 2000]]


===Military===
===Military===
;{{COL}}
;{{COL}}
* [[Colombian Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2022">{{cite web |last = |first = |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/flight-international/how-afghanistans-fall-reshaped-world-air-forces-inventory/146576.article|title = World Air Forces 2022|publisher= Flightglobal Insight |year= 2022 |doi = |accessdate= 15 April 2022|url-access=registration}}</ref>
* [[Colombian Aerospace Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2022">{{cite web |last = |first = |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/flight-international/how-afghanistans-fall-reshaped-world-air-forces-inventory/146576.article|title = World Air Forces 2022|publisher= Flightglobal Insight |year= 2022 |doi = |accessdate= 15 April 2022|url-access=registration}}</ref>
* [[National Police of Colombia ]]<ref>Rivas 2015, p. 120.</ref>
* [[National Police of Colombia ]]<ref>Rivas 2015, p. 120.</ref>
;{{SLV}}
;{{SLV}}
* [[Air Force of El Salvador|El Salvador Air Force]]<ref>Hoyle 2015, p. 37.</ref>
* [[Salvadoran Air Force]]<ref>Hoyle 2015, p. 37.</ref>
;{{GTM}}
;{{GTM}}
* [[Guatemalan Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2022"/>
* [[Guatemalan Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2022"/>
;{{MLI}}
;{{MLI}}
*[[Military of Mali Air Force|Mali Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2022"/>
*[[Malian Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2022"/>
;{{MRT}}
;{{MRT}}
* [[Military of Mauritania|Mauritanian Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2022"/>
* [[Armed Forces of Mauritania|Islamic Air Force of Mauritania]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2022"/>
;{{THA}}
;{{THA}}
* [[Royal Thai Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2022"/>
* [[Royal Thai Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2022"/>
Line 48: Line 46:
===Civilian===
===Civilian===
;{{AUS}}
;{{AUS}}
* [[Australian Antarctic Division]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.antarctica.gov.au/living-and-working/travel-and-logistics/aviation/intracontinental-operations/basler-bt-67-aircraft|title=Basler BT-67 aircraft|publisher=Australian Antarctic Division|access-date=2019-07-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702002234/http://www.antarctica.gov.au/living-and-working/travel-and-logistics/aviation/intracontinental-operations/basler-bt-67-aircraft|archive-date=2019-07-02|url-status=live}}</ref>[[File:BT67 C-GOOU.jpg|thumb|right|A BT-67 operated by Enterprise Aviation Group at [[Oshawa Executive Airport]]]]
* [[Australian Antarctic Division]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.antarctica.gov.au/living-and-working/travel-and-logistics/aviation/intracontinental-operations/basler-bt-67-aircraft|title=Basler BT-67 aircraft|date=31 October 2012 |publisher=Australian Antarctic Division|access-date=2019-07-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702002234/http://www.antarctica.gov.au/living-and-working/travel-and-logistics/aviation/intracontinental-operations/basler-bt-67-aircraft|archive-date=2019-07-02|url-status=live}}</ref>[[File:BT67 C-GOOU.jpg|thumb|right|A BT-67 operated by Enterprise Aviation Group at [[Oshawa Executive Airport]]]]
;{{CAN}}
;{{CAN}}
* ALCI Aviation<ref>[https://www.enterpriseaviationgroup.com/charter-flights/ Charter flights page for Enterprise Aviation Group operated by ALCI Aviation]</ref>
* [[North Star Air]]
* [[North Star Air]]
* [[Kenn Borek Air]]<ref>[http://www.borekair.com/index.php/our-fleet Air Fleet page at Kenn Borek Air]</ref>
* [[Kenn Borek Air]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.borekair.com/index.php/our-fleet |title=Air Fleet page at Kenn Borek Air |access-date=2011-02-25 |archive-date=2011-03-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110316041914/http://www.borekair.com/index.php/our-fleet |url-status=dead }}</ref>
;{{CHN}}
;{{CHN}}
* [[Polar Research Institute of China]]<ref>{{cite web|title=China to facilitate aviation support in Antarctic research expeditions|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2011-09/26/c_131160781.htm|access-date=9 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112204514/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2011-09/26/c_131160781.htm|archive-date=12 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=China to deploy aircraft in Antarctica expedition |url=http://www.china.org.cn/china/2015-09/25/content_36682868.htm |access-date=15 February 2019 |work=Xinhua |date=September 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015055437/http://china.org.cn/china/2015-09/25/content_36682868.htm |archive-date=15 October 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Polar Research Institute of China]]<ref>{{cite web|title=China to facilitate aviation support in Antarctic research expeditions|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2011-09/26/c_131160781.htm|access-date=9 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112204514/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2011-09/26/c_131160781.htm|archive-date=12 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=China to deploy aircraft in Antarctica expedition |url=http://www.china.org.cn/china/2015-09/25/content_36682868.htm |access-date=15 February 2019 |work=Xinhua |date=September 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015055437/http://china.org.cn/china/2015-09/25/content_36682868.htm |archive-date=15 October 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
;{{GER}}
;{{GER}}
* [[Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research|Alfred Wegener Institute]]<ref name=former>[http://www.awi.de/de/infrastruktur/fluggeraete/forschungsflugzeuge/ehemalige_flugzeuge/ Ehemalige Flugzeuge] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411211551/http://www.awi.de/de/infrastruktur/fluggeraete/forschungsflugzeuge/ehemalige_flugzeuge/ |date=11 April 2013 }} {{in lang|de}} Alfred Wegener Institute – Former airplanes, accessed: 18 April 2009</ref>
* [[Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research|Alfred Wegener Institute]]<ref name=former>[http://www.awi.de/de/infrastruktur/fluggeraete/forschungsflugzeuge/ehemalige_flugzeuge/ Ehemalige Flugzeuge] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411211551/http://www.awi.de/de/infrastruktur/fluggeraete/forschungsflugzeuge/ehemalige_flugzeuge/ |date=11 April 2013 }} {{in lang|de}} Alfred Wegener Institute – Former airplanes, accessed: 18 April 2009</ref>
;United Kingdom
*Bell Geospace<ref>{{cite web |title=Low-flying plane returns to Cornwall for surveys |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3wexg9v11yo |website=BBC News |access-date=13 December 2024}}</ref>
;{{USA}}
;{{USA}}
* [[United States Forest Service]]<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.arpc.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/617903/as-civilian-reservist-leads-in-fight-against-forest-fires/ |title= As civilian, reservist 'leads' in fight against forest fires |publisher= arpc.afrc.af.mil |date=|accessdate=15 April 2022}}</ref>
* [[United States Forest Service]]<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.arpc.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/617903/as-civilian-reservist-leads-in-fight-against-forest-fires/ |title= As civilian, reservist 'leads' in fight against forest fires |publisher= arpc.afrc.af.mil |date=21 September 2015|accessdate=15 April 2022}}</ref>

==Future operators==
;{{ARG}}
* [[Argentine Air Force]]:
On 18 April 2024, the [[United States Department of State|State Department]] approved a possible sale of BT-67s intended for the [[Argentinian Air Force]] with an est. cost of $143 million, with the main contractor being ''Basler Turbo Conversions''.<ref name="Argentinian sale">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/argentina-basler-bt-67-aircraft|title=Argentina – Basler BT-67 Aircraf|date=2024-04-18|access-date=2024-09-01|publisher=[[Defense Security Cooperation Agency]]|language=en|type=News Release|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240811020643/https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/argentina-basler-bt-67-aircraft|archive-date=2024-08-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/argentina-makes-progress-in-air-force-modernisation-with-bt-67-aircraft/|title=Argentina makes progress in air force modernisation with BT-67 aircraft|date=2024-04-19|access-date=2024-09-01|website=Airforce Technology|last=Hill|first=John}}</ref>


==Accidents and incidents==
==Accidents and incidents==
{{Further|List of accidents and incidents involving the DC-3}}
{{Further|List of accidents and incidents involving the DC-3}}


As of 2019, a total 15 BT-67 have been involved in crashes or other incidents since the 1990s.{{cn|date=November 2022}}
As of 2019, a total of 15 BT-67 aircraft have been involved in crashes or other incidents since the 1990s.{{cn|date=November 2022}}


==Specifications (BT-67)==
==Specifications (BT-67)==
Line 117: Line 123:
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


*{{cite magazine|title=Born Again Basler|magazine=[[Flight International]]|date=24–30 April 1991|volume= 139|issue= 4264|pages=40–43|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1991/1991%20-%201066.html}}
*{{cite magazine|title=Born Again Basler|magazine=[[Flight International]]|date=24–30 April 1991|volume= 139|issue= 4264|pages=40–43|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902232842/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1991/1991%20-%201066.html |archive-date=September 2, 2017 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1991/1991%20-%201066.html}}
*{{cite magazine|last=Hoyle|first=Craig|title=World Air Forces Directory|journal=Flight International|date=8–14 December 2015|volume= 188|issue= 5517|pages= 26–53|issn=0015-3710}}
*{{cite magazine|last=Hoyle|first=Craig|title=World Air Forces Directory|journal=Flight International|date=8–14 December 2015|volume= 188|issue= 5517|pages= 26–53|issn=0015-3710}}
*{{cite book|last=Michell|first=Simon|title=Jane's Civil and Military Upgrades 1994–95|year=1994|publisher=Jane's Information Group|location=Coulsdon, Surrey, UK|isbn=0-7106-1208-7}}
*{{cite book|last=Michell|first=Simon|title=Jane's Civil and Military Upgrades 1994–95|year=1994|publisher=Jane's Information Group|location=Coulsdon, Surrey, UK|isbn=0-7106-1208-7}}
Line 126: Line 132:
* [http://www.baslerturbo.com/ Basler Turbo Conversions, LLC]
* [http://www.baslerturbo.com/ Basler Turbo Conversions, LLC]
* [http://antarcticsun.usap.gov/pastIssues/2000-2001/2000_11_12.pdf ''The Antarctic Sun'' "A Timeless Machine Returns"]
* [http://antarcticsun.usap.gov/pastIssues/2000-2001/2000_11_12.pdf ''The Antarctic Sun'' "A Timeless Machine Returns"]
* [http://antarcticsun.usap.gov/pastIssues/2000-2001/2000_11_26.pdf ''The Antarctic Sun'' "Modern plane and old history maker, are birds of a feather"]
* [http://antarcticsun.usap.gov/pastIssues/2000-2001/2000_11_26.pdf ''The Antarctic Sun'' "Modern plane and old history maker are birds of a feather"]
* [http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1991/1991%20-%201066.htmlnFlight Global article]
* [http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1991/1991%20-%201066.htmlnFlight Global article]


Line 139: Line 145:
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1990]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1990]]
[[Category:Twin-turboprop tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:Twin-turboprop tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable conventional landing gear]]

Latest revision as of 11:14, 13 December 2024

BT-67
A BT-67 of the Guatemalan Air Force
General information
TypeUtility aircraft
National originUnited States
ManufacturerBasler Turbo Conversions
StatusIn service
Number built68[1]
History
Manufactured1990–present[2]
First flight1990
Developed fromDouglas DC-3
Douglas C-47 Skytrain

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 Skytrain / Douglas DC-3; the modifications are designed to significantly extend the DC-3's serviceable lifetime.

Design and development

[edit]

Basler Turbo Conversions was founded in 1990 solely focused on converting existing C-47/DC-3 airframes into the BT-67.[2] 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

[edit]

The Basler BT-67 has a gunship version used by the Colombian Aerospace Force as of 2017 for counterinsurgency operations.[6][7] The Colombian gunships are equipped with a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) ball, enabling the aircraft to conduct effective nighttime missions.[8][9]

Operators

[edit]
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

Military

[edit]
 Colombia
 El Salvador
 Guatemala
 Mali
 Mauritania
 Thailand

Civilian

[edit]
 Australia
 Canada
 China
 Germany
United Kingdom
 United States

Future operators

[edit]
 Argentina

On 18 April 2024, the State Department approved a possible sale of BT-67s intended for the Argentinian Air Force with an est. cost of $143 million, with the main contractor being Basler Turbo Conversions.[21][22]

Accidents and incidents

[edit]
Further information: List of accidents and incidents involving the DC-3

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)

[edit]

Data from Born Again Basler[23] and Jane's Civil and Military Aircraft Upgrades 1994–95[24]

General characteristics

  • Crew: Two (pilot & co-pilot)
  • Capacity: 38 Passengers
  • Length: 67 ft 9 in (20.65 m)
  • Wingspan: 95 ft 0 in (28.95 m)
  • Height: 16 ft 11 in (5.15 m)
  • Empty weight: 15,700 lb (7,121 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 28,750 lb (13,041 kg)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67R turboprop engines, 1,281 shp (955 kW) each
  • Propellers: 5-bladed Hartzell constant speed propellers, 9 ft 7 in (2.92 m) diameter

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 285 kn (328 mph, 528 km/h)
  • Cruise speed: 210 kn (240 mph, 390 km/h)
  • Range: 2,140 nmi (2,460 mi, 3,960 km) with 45 minute reserve and long-range fuel tank
  • Service ceiling: 25,000 ft (7,600 m)

See also

[edit]

Related development

Related lists

References

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  1. ^ "DC-3 News".
  2. ^ a b "History".
  3. ^ a b "Power and Performance". Archived from the original on 2015-07-01. Retrieved 2015-07-01.
  4. ^ "BT-67 Worldwide".
  5. ^ Spaeth, Andreas (February 2023). "Making old new again: Reinventing the legendary Douglas DC 3". AEROREPORT. MTU Aero Engines. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  6. ^ "Aeronave AC47 Fantasma culmina fase de inspección mayor en CAMAN". Colombian Air Force. Archived from the original on 11 August 2017. Retrieved 10 August 2017.
  7. ^ "Basler BT-67 Utility Aircraft, USA". Airforce Technology. 2024-04-26. Archived from the original on 2024-09-01. Retrieved 2024-09-02. The Mauritania Air Force employs it for logistical support, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) tasks while the Colombian Air Force uses it as a gunship for counterinsurgency operations.
  8. ^ "Colombia's AC-47T Fantasmas Are Still Going Strong". War Is Boring. 3 October 2016. Archived from the original on 16 August 2017. Retrieved 16 August 2017.
  9. ^ "Argentina to reinforce Antarctic operations with US Basler BT-67 aircraft". Army Recognition. 2024-04-19. Retrieved 2024-09-01. In addition, a gunship version of the Basler BT-67 has been in use by the Colombian Aerospace Force since 2017. These aircraft, equipped with a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) ball, enhance their capability for nighttime missions.
  10. ^ a b c d e "World Air Forces 2022". Flightglobal Insight. 2022. Retrieved 15 April 2022.
  11. ^ Rivas 2015, p. 120.
  12. ^ Hoyle 2015, p. 37.
  13. ^ "Basler BT-67 aircraft". Australian Antarctic Division. 31 October 2012. Archived from the original on 2019-07-02. Retrieved 2019-07-02.
  14. ^ Charter flights page for Enterprise Aviation Group operated by ALCI Aviation
  15. ^ "Air Fleet page at Kenn Borek Air". Archived from the original on 2011-03-16. Retrieved 2011-02-25.
  16. ^ "China to facilitate aviation support in Antarctic research expeditions". Archived from the original on 12 January 2014. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  17. ^ "China to deploy aircraft in Antarctica expedition". Xinhua. September 25, 2015. Archived from the original on 15 October 2015. Retrieved 15 February 2019.
  18. ^ Ehemalige Flugzeuge Archived 11 April 2013 at the Wayback Machine (in German) Alfred Wegener Institute – Former airplanes, accessed: 18 April 2009
  19. ^ "Low-flying plane returns to Cornwall for surveys". BBC News. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
  20. ^ "As civilian, reservist 'leads' in fight against forest fires". arpc.afrc.af.mil. 21 September 2015. Retrieved 15 April 2022.
  21. ^ "Argentina – Basler BT-67 Aircraf" (News Release). Defense Security Cooperation Agency. 2024-04-18. Archived from the original on 2024-08-11. Retrieved 2024-09-01.
  22. ^ Hill, John (2024-04-19). "Argentina makes progress in air force modernisation with BT-67 aircraft". Airforce Technology. Retrieved 2024-09-01.
  23. ^ Flight International 24–30 April 1991, p. 42.
  24. ^ Michell 1994, pp. 245–246.
  • "Born Again Basler". Flight International. Vol. 139, no. 4264. 24–30 April 1991. pp. 40–43. Archived from the original on September 2, 2017.
  • Hoyle, Craig (8–14 December 2015). "World Air Forces Directory". Flight International. Vol. 188, no. 5517. pp. 26–53. ISSN 0015-3710.
  • Michell, Simon (1994). Jane's Civil and Military Upgrades 1994–95. Coulsdon, Surrey, UK: Jane's Information Group. ISBN 0-7106-1208-7.
  • Rivas, Santiago (October 2015). "Fighting Colombia's Drug War". Air International. Vol. 89, no. 4. pp. 118–121. ISSN 0306-5634.
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