| BT-67 | |
|---|---|
| A BT-67 of the Royal Thai Air Force | |
| Role | Utility aircraft |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Basler Turbo Conversions |
| First flight | 1990 |
| Status | in service |
| Produced | 1990 to present[1] |
| Number built | 68[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 DC-3; the modifications are designed to significantly extend the DC-3's serviceable lifetime.
Basler Turbo Conversions was founded in 1990 solely focus on converting existing C-47 airframes into the BT-67.[1] Basler custom configures each new build to the clients specifications. Industries served include cargo, military, cloudseeding, scientific research, and various other applications.[3][4] The conversion includes fitting the airframe with new Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67R turboprop engines, lengthening the fuselage, strengthening the airframe, upgrading the avionics, and making modifications to the wing leading edges and wingtips.
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 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]
The Basler BT-67 has a gunship version used by the Air Forces of Colombia.[5] The Colombian gunships are equipped with a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) ball, enabling the aircraft to conduct effective nighttime missions.[6]
|
Further information: 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.[citation needed]
Data from Born Again Basler[16] and Jane's Civil and Military Aircraft Upgrades 1994–95[17]
General characteristics
Performance
