AlphaSim B-2A Spirit Procedures

Please see the Reference for explanations of the panel functions.

For performance and aircraft specifications see the aircraft menu.

Use the Fuel and Payloads menu to adjust fuel amounts and payload weight.

Engine Start

Use Ctrl-E (autostart) to start the aircraft, or:

  1. Set parking brake.
  2. Set throttle to IDLE.
  3. Bring up the Electrical Panel using the panel icon.
  4. Turn OFF Avionics and Deice switches.
  5. Turn on Master Battery switch.
  6. Ensure fuel supply is on (Ctrl-Alt-F4).
  7. Turn ON Engine 1 fuel cutoff switch.
  8. Bring up throttle panel.
  9. Start Engine 1 using the engine start switch.
  10. Monitor oil pressure, oil temperature, and fuel flow.
  11. Repeat for remaining engines.

Takeoff (337,000 lbs.)

  1. Check fuel level using MFD.
  2. Confirm spoilers are retracted.
  3. Apply full power smoothly.
  4. Observe fuel flow meters rise.
  5. Pull back on the stick slightly to lighten the nose at 125 KIAS.
  6. Rotate at 145 KIAS.

After Takeoff

  1. Retract landing gear once a positive rate of climb is established.
  2. Adjust pitch angle to 5 degrees nose-up.
  3. Allow the aircraft to accelerate to 250 KIAS.
  4. Reduce throttle to 97% N2 rpm.
  5. Observe fuel flow meter and check fuel state and engine condition.

Climb

Climb at 280 KIAS after completing the "After Takeoff" checklist.  Maintain 280 KIAS throughout the climb.  A climb to 36,000 feet will take about 18 minutes, use about 8,000 pounds of fuel, and cover about 117 nautical miles for a takeoff weight of 337,000 pounds.

Cruising

Use autopilot/autothrottle to set cruise parameters.
Altitude Airspeed Fuel Consumption Naut. miles/1000 lbs
50,000 feet 0.80 Mach 6,220 pph 73
36,000 feet 0.85 Mach  13,200 pph 37

Normal Descent

  1. Retard throttles to idle.
  2. Use spoilers as required.
  3. Set descent rate and speed as desired using the autopilot.
  4. Limit descent rate to 3,000 fpm.
  5. Limit speed to 250 KIAS below 10,000 feet.

Tactical Descent

  1. Use full spoilers and point the nose down ten degrees.
  2. Rate of descent may exceed 10,000 feet per minute.
  3. Set airspeed as desired observing aircraft limitations.
  4. Level out 1,000 feet above target altitude and reestablish normal flight.

Landing (240,000 pounds)

  1. Approach the field at about 240 KIAS with plenty of room to slow down using normal descent procedures.
  2. Use spoilers as needed to slow the aircraft and lose altitude.
  3. Check landing gear is down and locked.
  4. Slow to approach speed of 145 KIAS and set autothrottle to hold speed during final.
  5. Over airfield boundary speed should be 140 KIAS.
  6. Don't flare the aircraft; land in a nearly level attitude or excessive float will occur.
  7. Touchdown speed is 135 KIAS.
  8. After touchdown extend spoilers fully if not already deployed.
  9. Brake as necessary after front main gear touches down.

Proper touchdown attitude - 135 KIAS