North American B-45 Tornado
Not one of the more well known, or famous bombers from the Cold War era. But nevertheless an important aircraft and step in aircraft design and use. Comparable to the Illusion IL-28 -Beagle.
History
Design work started on the B-45 during WW2. The XB-45 made its first flight on the 24th February 1947.
The B-45A started to enter service in August 1948. However, due to budget constrictions, the full order was cut to 142 from the initial 190.
In mid 1951, with commitments in Korea, NATO realised how venerable it was to attack from the Soviet Union in Europe. Therefore Operation Backbreaker was started. This was to convert existing B-45A models for the nuclear strike role.
This nuclear deterrent was then based as part of the 47th Bomb Wing at RAF Sculthorpe, until 1958.
The RB-45C variant, also served with the RAF (35 and 115 Squadrons), as part of Operation Jiu Jitsu. As the USAF was forbidden by the US President from overflying the Soviet Union, the British Government had no such problems. Therefore, 4 RB-45C aircraft were operated to fly reconnaissance missions over the Soviet Union. This lasted till 1954, and the RB-45C was withdrawn from Soviet Union overflies, when one was nearly shutdown.
It was the first American 4 engine jet bomber, the first reconnaissance plane to do air to air refuelling, the first jet bomber to carry a nuclear bomb and the first production American jet bomber.
Versions
North American XB-45
| Speed | Weight | Span | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 570mph | 45,694lb (empty), 81,418lb (max) | 89ft | 75ft 4in |
North American B-45A Tornado
| Speed | Weight | Span | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 570mph | 45,694lb (empty), 81,418lb (max) | 89ft | 75ft 4in |
North American B-45C Tornado
| Speed | Weight | Span | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 570mph | 45,694lb (empty), 81,418lb (max) | 89ft | 75ft 4in |
North American RB-45C Tornado
| Speed | Weight | Span | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 570mph | 45,694lb (empty), 81,418lb (max) | 89ft | 75ft 4in |
Users
| Country | Service | Model | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | USAF | B-45A, B-45C, RB-45C | 1948 to 1958 |
| UK | RAF | RB-45C | 1951 to 1954 |
Sources
Web
- http://www.spyflight.co.uk/rb45.htm
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_American_B-45_Tornado
- http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=288
- http://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=569
- http://fas.org/nuke/guide/usa/bomber/b-45.htm
