This week in Edwards history Published May 16, 2018 By 412th Test Wing Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On May 17, 1946, the highly innovative XB-43 Jetmaster made its first flight with Douglas test pilot Bob Brush at the controls. The XB-43 was the nation’s first prototype jet bomber. Captured at a later date, this Edwards History Office file photo shows the XB-43 sharing the Edwards ramp with two Northrop flying wing bombers.