lanned flight profiles as of 3 December 1963[39][40] Profile Fuel load Altitude Speed
(Mach No.) Distance Still air time Notes
Economic cruise Max internal 23/35,000 ft 0.92M 2,780 miles (4,470 km) 5 h, 5 min Note 1: Ranges based on 2,000 lb weapon carried internally and retained throughout flight. Normal fuel reserves included.
Economic cruise Max internal plus 2 x 450 gal wing tanks plus 1 x 1,000 gal ventral tank 15/35,000 ft 0.88M-0.92M 3,440 miles (5,540 km) 6 h, 20 min – 6 h, 35 min See Note 1 above; ventral tank still in design stage
Low-level cruise Max internal 200 ft (61 m) above ground level 0.90M 1,580 nautical miles (2,930 km) 2 h, 40 min See Note 1 above
Low-level cruise Max internal and 2 x 450 gal wing tanks and 1 x 1,000 gal ventral tank 200 ft (61 m) above ground level 0.90M 2,060 miles (3,320 km) 3 h, 30 min See Note 1 above
Supersonic cruise Max internal 50-58,000 ft 2.00M 1,000 miles (1,600 km) 53 min See Note 1 above; climbs and descents will be at less than 2.00M (aircraft limited to 45 min at 2.00M)
Bomb release procedure[39] Mode of delivery Altitude Speed Notes
Laydown 100–500 ft 0.80M-1.15M 5 mins at 1.15M. 2 mins at 1.20M. Initial clearance using automatic system will be at 200 ft (61 m) and 0.9M. Minimum height for laydown will depend on weapon.
Loft 100–500 ft 0.80M-1.15M Release at 30°, 65° or 110°. Initial clearance will be at 200 ft (61 m) and 0.90M.
Ballistic 5,000 ft-55,000 ft (17,000 m) 1.15M up to 2.05M (depending on height) Initial clearance will be at 25,000 ft (7,600 m) and 1.70M
Dive toss Commence manoeuvre at 25-50,000 ft Commence manoeuvre at 1.70-2.00M Dive angles between 12.5° and 22.5°. Aircraft speed at release between 0.92 and 1.10M. Height at release 5-13,000 ft. Initial clearance will be with dive commencing at
