The speedbrake system consists of two pairs of clamshell surfaces located on each side of the engine nozzle and inboard of the horizontal tail and is powered by hydraulic system A. The speedbrakes open to 60 degrees with the right main landing gear not down and locked. With the right main landing gear down and locked, speedbrake opening is limited to 43 degrees to prevent the lower surfaces from striking the runway during landing. This limit can be overridden by holding the speed brake switch in the open (aft)position. When the nose landing gear strut compresses on landing, the speedbrakes can be fully opened and remain fully open without holding the speed brake switch.

The Speed brake switch, located on the throttle, is a thumb-activated, three-position slide switch. The open (aft) position is spring-loaded to off (center) and allows the speedbrakes to be incrementally opened. The closed (forward) position has a detent, allowing a single motion to close the speedbrakes. To prevent possible creeping, the switch should be left in the closed position.