The North American B-45 Tornado was an American Nuclear capable bomber which was the first US jet bomber and the first jet aircraft to be re-fuelled in-air. The B-45 Tornado first flew in March 1947 and became operational with the USAF in 1948, it remained in service until being retired in 1959. It is of note that a small number of 19th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron's RB-45C Tornado's were operated by RAF 115 and 35 Squadrons to effectively bypass the Presidential restriction placed on the USAF on over-flight operations over the Soviet Union. North American B-45A Tornado Specifications: - Crew: Pilot, Co-Pilot, Bombardier/Navigator and Tail Gunner
- Length: 75 ft 4 in (22.9 m)
- Wingspan: 89 ft 0 in (27.1 m)
- Height: 25 ft 2 in (7.7 m)
- Empty weight: 45,694 lb (20,726 kg)
- Loaded weight: 81,418 lb (36,930 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 110,000 lb (50,000 kg)
- Engines: Four 5,200 lbf (25 kN) General Electric J47-GE-13 turbojets
- Maximum speed: 500 knots (570 mph, 920 km/h)
- Range: 870 nm (1,000 mi, 1,600 km)
- Service ceiling: 46,400 ft (14,100 m)
- Rate of climb: 5,950 ft/min (1,810 m/min)
Armament: - Twin 0.50 in (12.7 mm) M3 machine guns
- 22,000 lb (10,000 kg) of conventional or nuclear bombs
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