The B-45 was the first American production jet bomber, making its maiden flight in March 1947 with a total of 143 built. Flown to the museum in 1971, this example spent its active days on loan to Pratt and Whitney as an engine test bed. Initially displayed as seen in my 1973 photo here, by the early 1980s it had been painted in the markings of the 47th BW (Light), based at RAF Sculthorpe from 1952 to 1958 as a key nuclear deterrent. Also flying from Sculthorpe were USAF RB-45Cs clandestinely operated on reconnaissance missions by RAF crews deep into the Soviet Union

Preserved at the museum from 1971. Moved inside the Korean War Gallery.

1950: TOS USAF, but apparently never served on active duty. Instead, it was loaned to Pratt and Whitney for engine testing purposes. 1971: Flown to Wright Field for the Air Force Museum. It is now painted in the markings of the 47th Bomb Group (Light), based in England from 1952 to 1955.

1950: TOS USAF, but apparently never served on active duty. Instead, it was loaned to Pratt and Whitney for engine testing purposes. 1971: Flown to Wright Field for the Air Force Museum. It is now painted in the markings of the 47th Bomb Group (Light), based in England from 1952 to 1955.

1950: TOS USAF, but apparently never served on active duty. Instead, it was loaned to Pratt and Whitney for engine testing purposes. 1971: Flown to Wright Field for the Air Force Museum. It is now painted in the markings of the 47th Bomb Group (Light), based in England from 1952 to 1955.

1950: TOS USAF, but apparently never served on active duty. Instead, it was loaned to Pratt and Whitney for engine testing purposes. 1971: Flown to Wright Field for the Air Force Museum. It is now painted in the markings of the 47th Bomb Group (Light), based in England from 1952 to 1955.

Delivered to the USAF in 1950, this B-45C spent much of its active life bailed to Pratt & Whitney being used for engine testing. Finally retired in 1971, it was flown to the USAF Museum for display.This slide shows the markings when the museum acquired the a/c. It is currently on display inside the museum.

The B-45 was a plane of many firsts; the first US four-engined bomber to fly, the first US production jet bomber, the first jet capable of carrying a nuclear bomb and the first multi-jet reconnaisance aircraft to refuel in midair. This example was flown to the National Museum of the USAF in 1971 and wears markings of the 47th BW (light).

North American's B-45 was the first jet bomber for the USAF, serving SAC from 1950 till 1959, but quickly superseded in the nuclear role during the early 50s by the B-47 Stratojet. A total of 143 were built, most 'C' models being completed as RB-45C reconnaissance aircraft, although this example was used latterly by Pratt & Whitney for engine testing, being flown to the Museum in 1971. Now housed inside in the marks of 47th BW (Light), which based B-45s at RAF Sculthorpe from 1952-58