Development of the Beech 18 began in 1935 with the prototypes first flight in 1937. The military designation for the aircraft was C-45.
Ordered by the Navy in 1940, the intended use of the C–45, designated as SNB-5 or RC-45J, as a photography platform, was expanded to include administrative and logistic support, the transport of patrol aircraft crews, and as a training aircraft for photo reconnaissance crews. Pilots not assigned to operational squadrons relied on the SNB, or "Bug Smasher" as it was affectionately named, to maintain flying proficiency for the purpose of collecting "hazardous duty" pay. As a result, "Bug Smasher" time appears in the logbooks of most Naval Aviators during the course of the aircraft's thirty years service.

Bill Johnson has 3 examples of these classic airplanes. 2 SNB-5’s and 1 RC-45J. This is the Navy Reconnaissance model with retractable, in-flight camera bay doors. Bill’s intention is to keep the RC-45J and sell the other two projects either “As Is” or restored.

What the RC-45J should look like when its done.