Afterburner Operation During Flight

Note

At low altitudes while using afterburner, the fuel transfer rate from the drop tanks may be too low to maintain a constant level in the internal tanks and use of internal fuel may occur before drop tank fuel is depleted.

The afterburner can be operated at any throttle setting between 89%±2 rpm and full military thrust by moving the throttle to the outboard position. The pressure ratio will momentarily drop, indicating that the exhaust nozzle has opened. Under normal operation, the afterburner should light between 2-5 seconds. If afterburner light-up has not occurred, return the throttle to the inboard position.

  1. Throttle - Outboard into AFTERBURNER position. Retard the throttle after light-up to minimize the possibility of engine overtemp.

    Caution

    If the exhaust nozzle fails to open when afterburner is selected, a loud explosion and surge may occur followed by rpm reduction and increase in exhaust temperature.

  2. Throttle - Inboard, to shut down afterburner.