2nd Bomb Wing · B-52H Stratofortress · KBAD

Systems & Procedures Reference

Core figures and procedure flow to support the Phase Training syllabus. General reference for eight-engine heavy-bomber ops — always defer to your add-on's actual checklist where values differ.

← Back to Training Center
Key Performance Figures
Taxi — Straight
25 KTS
max
Taxi — Turns
10 KTS
max
Rotation Attitude
~10°
pitch
Climb Speed
280–300 KIAS
/ .74M
Pattern Initial
280 KIAS
Final Approach
130–145 KIAS
per weight
AR Rejoin
270–290 KIAS
Low-Level
500–1,000 ft AGL
300–360 KCAS
Ground Operations & Engine Start
1
Taxi and ground handling
  • Max 25 kts on straightaways, 10 kts in turns
  • Nose-gear steering only — no differential braking for directional control
  • Allow extra room on taxiway turns — wingspan 185 ft
2
Engine start sequence
  • Typically inboard-to-outboard — verify per your add-on's start panel
  • Verify EGT rise and oil pressure on each engine before advancing
  • Generators ON as each engine stabilizes
  • External power OFF once all generators on line
Takeoff & Climb
1
Takeoff
  • Hold brakes, advance to ~80% power before brake release
  • Rotate at VR (varies with gross weight — check TOLD/PRFM)
  • Heavy unstick: ~140–160 KIAS typical range
  • Rotate to ~10° pitch attitude — smooth and deliberate, not a snap rotation
Over-rotating is the most common Phase 1 student error. The B-52's pitch response is slower than fighter-derived instincts suggest.
2
Climb & configuration
  • Initial climb: 280–300 KIAS / 0.74 Mach
  • Clean up flaps on the published schedule as speed and altitude allow
  • Crosswind technique: crab-and-decrab or sustained crab to touchdown per unit SOP
Pattern & Landing
1
Traffic pattern
  • Initial: 280 KIAS
  • Configure gear and flaps on-speed through the break
  • Final approach: ~130–145 KIAS per gross weight — confirm from PRFM/TOLD
2
Landing and stopping
  • Wheel brakes and drag chute as required by runway length and conditions
  • Go-around: full power, positive rate, gear up, flaps per schedule
Air Refueling
  • Rejoin airspeed: 270–290 KIAS — point-parallel or enroute rejoin as briefed
  • Trim and stabilize in precontact before calling ready
  • Use small, deliberate inputs once in the contact position
  • Monitor CG and fuel transfer continuously during onload — not just at end
  • Call breakaway immediately if the picture becomes unstable
The B-52's mass and slow roll response make AR demanding. An early breakaway call is always the right call.