The B-45 Tornado: An Operational History of the First American Jet Bomber

by John C. Fredriksen

Overview

The North American B-45 Tornado was America's first jet bomber and was used in a number of vital missions for nearly a decade. Drawing from declassified secret documents, this history explains the bomber's use in strategic reconnaissance and atomic-weapon strike missions from its 1944 development to its role in the Cold War.

The book includes numerous photographs and more than 100 interviews with pilots, navigators, and ground personnel.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780786442782
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers
Publication date:	09/08/2009
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.70(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

The late John C. Fredriksen was the author of more than 20 books about military history. He lived in Smithfield, Rhode Island.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Preface     

One. Wild Blue Wonder     
Two. New Bomber for a New Air Force     
Three. The Dawn of Jet Bombardment     
Four. To the Yalu—and Beyond     
Five. Atomic Interlude     
Six. Flying Cartographers     
Seven. NATO’s Shield     
Eight. Distant War, Perilous Vigil     
Nine. Cordial Collusion     
Ten. Russia Redux     
Eleven. On Final     

Appendix: SAC versus TAC Bombing Competition     
Chapter Notes     
Bibliography     
Index     

Editorial Reviews

extremely detailed and extensively researched...the first book-length study of this bomber...excellent illustrations and a large and impressive bibliography...cut above most books devoted to one air-craft...recommended”—The Journal of Military History; “an interesting and comprehensive study...well researched and replete with interesting facts...a must-read”—Air Force Research Institute.

From the Publisher

"an interesting and comprehensive study...well researched and replete with interesting facts...a must-read"

Air Force Research Institute

extremely detailed and extensively researched...the first book-length study of this bomber...excellent illustrations and a large and impressive bibliography...cut above most books devoted to one air-craft...recommended

The Journal of Military History