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RB-45C Tornado

On August 26, 1950, SAC’s first RB-45 – a “C” model, four-engine jet reconnaissance aircraft – was delivered to the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. Effective November 16, 1950, the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron moved from Barksdale, Louisiana to Yokota, Japan.   

The 91st absorbed personnel and aircraft of the 31st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, which returned to Travis AFB, California. The arrival of the RB-45s was well timed, as the RB-29s of the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron were no longer able to perform with impunity the special missions ordered by Far East Air Force, or the targeting and bomb-damage assessment photography desired by its Bomber Command.  

Eager to maintain its reconnaissance capability in the face of the Soviet-built MiG jets, Bomber Command took control of the RB-45 detachment on January 31, 1951, and attached it to the 91st Squadron. The RB-45 crews managed to outrun and outmaneuver the MiGs for several months.   

The Museum’s B-45 was manufactured by North American Aviation in Long Beach, California, and delivered to the USAF on August 15, 1950.  

Specifications

Aircraft Type: B-45C(NRB), S/N 48-0017, Tornado, North American  

Mission: Tactical reconnaissance  

Number Built: The Air Force accepted a grand total of 142 B-45s. The B-45 program counted 3 experimental airplanes, 96 B-45As, 10 B-45Cs, and 33 RB-45Cs.   

Powerplant: 2 J47-GE-13 turbojets, 5,200 pounds thrust each, two J47-GE-15 turbojets, 6,000 pounds thrust  

Weight: Empty 48,903 pounds, loaded 82,600 pounds, maximum takeoff weight 110,000 pounds  

Dimensions: Wingspan 89’6″, Length 75’10″, Height 23′.  

Performance: Maximum speed 579 MPH, cruising speed 458 MPH, service ceiling 43,200 feet  

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