Specifications

The B-45 was the first operational jet bomber.

Aircraft - B-45 Tornado (U.S.A.)

B-45 in Flight

Developed and tested at the WADC, the B-45 was the first USAF jet bomber to go into production.  The first B-45 made its initial flight on March 17, 1947.  A light bomber by today's standards, the B-45 was also used for photo-reconnaissance and flew missions in the Korean War.

B-45 on the Ground

Specifications of the B-45 Tornado

Span: 89 ft.

Length: 75 ft. 4 in.

Height: 25 ft. 2 in.

Weight: 110,000 lbs. max.

Armament: Two .50-cal. machine guns in the tail; 22,000 lbs. of bombs

Engines: Four General Electric J47s of 6,000 lbs. thrust ea.

Cost: $1,081,000

Serial Number: 48-010

C/N: 153-38486

PERFORMANCE

Maximum speed: 570 mph.

Cruising speed: 500 mph.

Range: 1000 miles

Service Ceiling: 37,550 ft.

Source: U.S. Air Force History Museum