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

Basler Turbo Conversions was founded in 1990 solely focused on converting existing C-47/DC-3 airframes into the BT-67. Basler configures each new build to the client's specifications. Industries served include cargo, military, cloudseeding, and scientific research. 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 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 1160 to 950 nmi. Basler provides a long-range fuel tank which increases the aircraft range to 2140 nmi.

Gunship version

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

Operators

Military

Civilian

Future operators

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.

Accidents and incidents

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

Specifications (BT-67)