Basler BT-67
Basler Turbo Conversions · United States · first flew 1990 · transport aircraft
The Basler BT-67 is a heavily modified Douglas DC-3 re-engined with Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67R turboprops, featuring a stretched fuselage and modernised systems to extend the DC-3's operational life for utility and military work.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboprop, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Stretched fuselage and updated systems on a classic 1930s design |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Douglas DC-3 airframe re-engined with twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprops
- Stretched fuselage and updated systems on a classic 1930s design
- Distinctive round DC-3 nose with turboprop engine nacelles in place of radials
Immediately recognisable as a DC-3 derivative by its distinctive rounded fuselage nose, tapered low wing, and tail-dragger stance, but distinguished from piston-engined versions by the longer turboprop nacelles and lack of radial engine frontal area.
Specifications
- The Basler BT-67 has a length of 20.65 m (68 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 28.95 m (95 ft).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Basler Turbo Conversions of Oshkosh, Wisconsin began the BT-67 conversion programme in the 1980s, first flying a converted aircraft in 1990. The BT-67 has been widely adopted by polar research operators and military users needing rugged short-field capability.
Variants
The BT-67 is itself a conversion of various DC-3 and C-47 airframes; no distinct sub-variants exist beyond differences in original airframe specification.
Where you'll see it
Operated by several military air arms in Africa and Latin America, and by scientific organisations for Antarctic resupply and research, taking advantage of the turboprop's cold-weather reliability.
Related aircraft
- Beechcraft King Air 300 MARSS
- Bell/Boeing SV-22A Osprey
- Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey
- Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.