TORA! TORA! TORA!

JAPANESE VAL DIVE BOMBER REPLICAS

The replica Val dive bombers were created for the movie by highly modifying Vultee BT-13 trainers.
 

The wings from the American BT-13 trainers had to be lengthened nearly four feet. Here the
added structure is pointed out. Tip frames were then covered with preformed fiberglass covers.
(courtesy of Air Classics magazine, Feb. 1969 issue)

Huge fiberglass molds were used to make the the wheel pants for the Val.
It was the wheel and strut fairings that gave the plane its "made in Japan" look.
(courtesy of Air Classics magazine, Feb. 1969 issue)

This large section was added just ahead of the BT monocoque to stretch out the Vultee airframe into a Val.
(courtesy of Air Classics magazine, Feb. 1969 issue)

Every external detail was faithfully reproduced, such as this sighting tube on the "Val". Note the fake exhaust stack.
(courtesy of Air Classics magazine, Feb. 1969 issue)

Nothing about the conversions is "Mickey-Mouse." Note the beautiful sheet metal finishing on a Val fuselage.
(courtesy of Air Classics magazine, Feb. 1969 issue)

A plaster mold is fitted to a BT-13 monocoque to effect the proper silhouette of the Val.
From this mock-up, fiberglass dorsals were made for the rest of the Val conversions.
(courtesy of Air Classics magazine, Feb. 1969 issue)

A Val nearing completion with its shallowed canopy, 600hp R-1340 AN-1 engine and wheel fairings.
Note non-functioning engine gills (cowl flaps). The carburetor had to be serviced through the oil cooler scoop
on bottom because the T-6 scoop was not compatible with the Val design. This caused the oil to heat up
a bit during climbs. Note the dive brake under the wing.
(courtesy of Air Classics magazine, Feb. 1969 issue)

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