09/15/2006. Remarks by
Jack McKillop: "The XB-43-DO, serialed 44-61508 and nicknamed
"Jetmaster", was the first US jet bomber and made its first flight on May 17, 1946.
(44-61508) (
Ray Crupi Collection)
However, by the time of its first flight, the USAAF had decided to put the
North American B-45 Tornado into production.
(44-61509) (
David Horn Collection)
The second XB-43, serialed 44-61509, was retired and became part of the collection of the NASM in Washington, D.C., USA. When I was stationed at Andrews AFB, Maryland, USA, in 1957-59, the second aircraft was stored in a fenced area at a remote end of the base. The aircraft is now stored at
NASM's Paul E. Garber Facility in Suitland, Maryland, USA."
