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

Departing on a pre-delivery 'Shakedown flight'. Delivered to Royal Saudi Air Force on December 17th 2015.

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.

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).