Mercury BT-120 Aerobat

In the late 1930s, Jack B. Baumann, Vice President and Chief Designer at Mercury Aircraft Corp., decided to develop a two-seater version of their four-seater Mercury B-120 aircraft. The primary purpose of this new aircraft was civil pilot training, a role that became particularly vital with the onset of World War II.

Design and Prototype

The BT-120 prototype (NX20471), which first flew in 1939, was a two-seat, single-strut biplane. It was powered by a seven-cylinder Ken-Royce 7-G radial engine, producing 120 horsepower.

Certification and Production

During testing, it became clear that the aircraft did not meet CAA standards. Only after significant modifications did the machine receive its certification in July 1941. A contract was then signed for the production of ten serial training aircraft. In the same year, Jack Baumann left the company, and the aircraft was immediately renamed the Mercury Aerobat. By 1942, after the third aircraft was produced, the company went bankrupt.

Legacy and Restoration

In the early 2000s, the second BT-120 was restored by enthusiast Gene Horsman from Golden, Colorado. Following its restoration, the aircraft flew until 2008.

Technical Specifications

Modification	BT-120
Wingspan (upper wing), m	9.50
Wingspan (lower wing), m	8.35
Length, m	7.18
Height, m	2.28
Wing area, m2	21.16
Empty weight	567
Maximum takeoff weight	815
Engine type	1 Piston engine Ken-Royce 7-G
Power, hp	1 x 120
Maximum speed, km/h	177
Cruising speed, km/h	153
Practical range, km	485
Rate of climb, m/min	213
Service ceiling, m	3050
Crew	2

Image and diagram gallery of the Mercury BT-120 Aerobat

BT-120	BT-120
BT-120