North American B-45 Tornado

The North American B‑45 Tornado, introduced in 1948 by North American Aviation, was the United States’ first operational jet bomber and a pioneering step in post‑World War II air power. Developed from the experimental XP‑86 prototype and the earlier AT‑21 bomber concept, the B‑45 entered service with the Strategic Air Command in 1949, marking a transition from propeller‑driven bombers such as the B‑29 to jet‑propelled strike platforms. Powered by four Allison J35‑19 turbo‑jets, the aircraft could reach speeds of 570 mph and a service ceiling of 46,000 feet, delivering a 2,000‑pound bomb load over a range of 1,300 nautical miles. Its swept‑wing design, pressurized crew compartments, and later variants equipped with radar‑guided bombing and air‑to‑air armament demonstrated rapid technological evolution. The B‑45 saw combat during the Korean War, where it performed night‑interdiction and reconnaissance missions, proving the tactical value of jet bombers. Although soon eclipsed by larger platforms such as the B‑47 and B‑52, the Tornado’s operational experience informed aerodynamic, propulsion, and weapons integration lessons that shaped the United States’ Cold‑War bomber fleet. Its legacy endures as a bridge between piston‑engine bombers and the strategic jet age.

North American Aviation

North American B-45 Tornado

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification