AlphaSim B-1B Lancer Procedures

(Please see the Reference for explanations of the panel functions.  Read the .pdf document "b1b-factbook" for more information on the actual aircraft.)

For performance and aircraft specifications see the aircraft menu.

Advanced/Simple Flight Models

This aircraft comes with a simplified flight model which limits the total aircraft weight to approximately 220,000 pounds by reducing the total amount of fuel available.  It also is configured to have electric power always available.  An advanced flight model is available in the "advanced" folder which enables a full fuel load and allows for electrical failures.  Copy the file named "aircraft.cfg" from the "advanced" folder into the main aircraft folder entitled "Alpha B-1B Lancer", overwriting the existing "aircraft.cfg" file, to enable the advanced flight model.  With the advanced flight model, the electric power will drain very quickly if the engines are off or the generators are shut down.  The aircraft will also be very heavy so keep this in mind during takeoffs; the rotation speed is about 160 KIAS with a full fuel load.

Wing Flaps and Variable Sweep Wings

The wing flaps and variable-sweep wings are animated by the flaps switch.  There are six positions in all.  The first four flaps positions move the variable-sweep wings to the four positions approved for flight maneuvers.  The positions are as follows:

Wing positions will be inhibited by aircraft speed at full realism settings.

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. Turn on the main fuel supply to all engines with Master Fuel Cutoff switch on main panel (to left of Eng Fire lights).
  7. Make sure all four "Engine Fire" annunciators are not lit.
  8. Turn all generators OFF.
  9. Start Engine 1 using the engine start switch.
  10. Monitor oil pressure and temperature - wait until all annunciator and caution lights go out.
  11. Turn on Generator 1.
  12. Repeat for remaining engines.

Takeoff (210,000 lbs.)

  1. Make sure fuel is set to fullest tank.
  2. Set wing sweep to 15 degrees (fourth position, fully spread).
  3. Set elevator trim neutral.
  4. Apply full power smoothly.
  5. Pull back on the stick slightly to lighten the nose at about 100 KIAS.
  6. Rotate smoothly at about 135 KIAS.

Climb

Use autopilot/autothrottle to set climb parameters as indicated in the table.

Climb Control Chart (Normal Climb)

Speed Wing Sweep Feet per minute Altitude
250 KIAS 15 degrees 1800 Below 10,000 MSL
325 KIAS 25 degrees 3500 Above 10,000 MSL

A climb following the above chart to 30,000 feet will take about 13 minutes, use about 6500 pounds of fuel, and cover about 75 nautical miles.

Cruising

  1. Use autopilot/autothrottle to set cruise parameters.
  2. For subsonic cruise, wing limitations are as indicated:
Altitude Airspeed Fuel Consumption Naut. miles/1000 lbs
30,000 feet 0.8 Mach  8570 pounds/hour 55
30,000 feet 1.05 Mach 11700 pounds/hour 53

Descent

  1. Use the autopilot to set the desired rate of descent and speed.
  2. Use spoilers as required to lose altitude.
  3. Set descent rate and speed as desired.

Landing

  1. Landing weight should be below 210,000 lbs.
  2. Approach the field at about 275 KIAS with plenty of room to slow down.
  3. Use spoilers as needed to slow the aircraft and lose altitude.
  4. Extend wings fully at 275 KIAS.
  5. Extend landing gear at about 230 KIAS.
  6. Deploy flaps/droops to first position on downwind, or sooner if desired.
  7. Deploy full flaps/droops on final.
  8. Slow to approach speed of 145 KIAS and set autothrottle to hold speed during final.
  9. Over airfield boundary speed should be 145 KIAS.
  10. After touchdown deploy spoilers (if not already in use) and hold nose off as long as possible.
  11. Brake as necessary after nosewheel touches down.