North American B-45 Tornado

The early jet bomber that introduced swept-wing performance to U.S. strike forces.

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North American B-45A-1-NA – © U.S. Air Force

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Overview

North American Aviation (NAA) United States ICAO: B45 1948–1951 $1.1 million (1950)

The North American B-45 Tornado was one of the first jet bombers operated by the U.S. Air Force. Entering service in the late 1940s, it provided a transitional capability between piston bombers and later swept-wing designs. The aircraft was used in reconnaissance and limited operational roles.

Live Fleet Activity (B45)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
4 × General Electric J47-GE-13
Engine type
Jet
Thrust
4 × 6,000 lbf · 27 kN
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
4
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
75 ft 4 in  ·  22.96 m
Tail height
25 ft 2 in  ·  7.67 m
Fuselage diameter
6 ft 7 in  ·  2.00 m
Wing span
89 ft 0 in  ·  27.13 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
92,000 lb  ·  41,600 kg
Max landing weight
82,500 lb  ·  37,500 kg
Max payload
22,000 lb  ·  10,000 kg
Fuel capacity
5,750 gal · 21,800 L · 17,400 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
492 kt  ·  566 mph  ·  911 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
160 kt  ·  184 mph  ·  296 km/h
Range
1,036 nm  ·  1,190 mi  ·  1,920 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
46,000 ft  ·  14,000 m
Rate of climb
5,200 ft/min  ·  26 m/s
Takeoff distance
3,450 ft  ·  1,050 m
Landing distance
3,600 ft  ·  1,100 m
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North American Aviation B 45C

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Operational Context

North American B-45 Tornado — early jet-powered bomber

The B-45 first flew in 1947 and entered service in 1949. It featured a straight wing and four turbojet engines mounted in pods beneath the wing. The aircraft was developed rapidly to provide a jet bomber during the early Cold War period.

Powered by four General Electric J47 turbojet engines producing approximately 5,200 pounds of thrust (23 kN) each, the B-45 cruised at around 450 knots (833 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeded 95,000 pounds (43,091 kg). The aircraft carried conventional or nuclear payloads in an internal bomb bay.

The B-45 served in reconnaissance roles during the Korean War. Although quickly superseded by more advanced bombers, it played an important role in early jet bomber development. The Tornado marked a transition into the jet age for U.S. strategic forces.