The Air Force accepted a total of 142 B-45s in various configurations, 51 aircraft fewer than originally ordered. The B-45 program included 3 experimental XB-45s aircraft (one of which was completed as a preproduction example), 96 production B-45As (some of which were designated as B-45A-5s reflecting in-production improvements), 10 B-45Cs , and 33 RB-45Cs. The aircraft were produced by North American Aviation, Incorporated, of Inglewood, California, with most of the aircraft being built in a former Douglas facility at Long Beach, California.
The B-45 served well as a reconnaissance aircraft during the Korean war. The reconnaissance models were designated RB-45Cs and assigned to the Strategic Air Command. The Tornado performed classified, deep penetration photographic intelligence missions over many cold war communist countries. The reconnaissance version of the B-45 became the forerunner of the U-2 and SR-71 surveillance aircraft.
Specifications |
|
| 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. |
| Maximum speed | 570 mph. |
| Cruising speed | 500 mph. |
| Range | 1000 miles |
| Service Ceiling | 37,550 ft. |
| Cost | $1,081,000 [then-year $] |
