North American B-45 Tornado

North American Aviation · United States · first flew 1947 · bomber

The North American B-45 Tornado was the first jet-powered bomber to enter service with the US Air Force, a straight-wing four-jet aircraft that bridged the gap between piston-era bombers and swept-wing jets like the B-47.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, straight
E — Engines	4 × turbojet, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	22.96 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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First American jet bomber to enter operational service
Four turbojets in two paired wing pods
Straight wing with paired engine nacelles

A straight-wing jet with four turbojets arranged in two paired pods under the wings, a tall conventional tail, and a lengthy glazed nose; resembles a scaled-down B-47 but with straight rather than swept wings.

Specifications

The North American B-45 Tornado has a length of 22.96 m (75 ft).
It has a wingspan of 27.13 m (89 ft).
Its maximum speed is 920 km/h (572 mph).
Typical crew: 4.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

First flown in March 1947, the B-45 entered USAF service in 1948 with Strategic Air Command. Although soon overshadowed by the B-47, it served importantly in the reconnaissance role as the RB-45C, conducting covert overflights of the Soviet Union in the early 1950s.

Variants

B-45A was the primary bomber variant; B-45C added provision for inflight refuelling; RB-45C was the definitive reconnaissance model with camera packages replacing bomb bays, operated covertly by RAF crews.

Where you'll see it

Operated by USAF Strategic Air Command from 1948 to 1959; RB-45Cs conducted clandestine reconnaissance missions over the USSR, sometimes with RAF crews in US markings. Retired as the B-47 took over.

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