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| C-5M Super Galaxy |
Militarymedia.net - The Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy is an upgraded version of the older C-5A, C-5B and C-5C military transport aircraft. A total of 131 C-5 series aircraft were delivered by 1989. These transport aircraft experienced serious reliability problems resulting in low mission capability levels. Availability is back above 50%. Furthermore, with the retirement of the Lockheed C141 StarLifter, the US Air Force (USAF) is facing a shortage of airlift capacity. Major upgrades are needed to keep the C-5 fleet operational. The first aircraft was upgraded to the C-5M standard in 2006 and its test flights began that same year. Modernization orders for 52 C-5 aircraft were issued and low-level production began in 2009. The Super Galaxy achieved initial operational capability in 2014 with the delivery of 16 aircraft. In 2015 a total of 30 aircraft were upgraded. Deliveries are scheduled to be completed in 2018. It is planned that in 2017-2018 the US Air Force will reduce its C-5 fleet to 52 Super Galaxy aircraft, while the non-upgraded C-5A, C-5B, and C-5C will be retired. It is planned that the C-5M Super Galaxy will remain operational until 2030.
The C-5M is the largest aircraft routinely operated by US forces. In fact it is one of the largest military transport aircraft in the world. Only the one-time larger Antonov An-124 and An-225. In addition, the C-5M Super Galaxy is the USAF's only true strategic air carrier, capable of connecting America directly to all battlefields without refueling. On longer missions, the smaller C17 Globemaster III transport aircraft must be refueled in flight or at friendly air bases. Super Galaxy is mainly used for remote logistics operations.
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| C-5M Super Galaxy |
On September 13, 2009 the C-5M aircraft set a new 41 world record.
C-5M upgrades include a new General Electric F138-GE-100 (CF6-80C2L1F) commercial engine, improved avionics, a new autopilot system, improved landing gear, and other improvements. Previous Galaxy C-5A/B aircraft have experienced serious reliability issues resulting in low mission capability levels. Upgrading the C-5M resolves several issues. The failure rate and maintenance hours were reported to have been reduced by more than half. The reliability of the engine is said to have increased tenfold. Even so, the C-5M Super Galaxy is much more cumbersome and expensive to maintain than the smaller C17 Globemaster III.
Due to the new engine, Super Galaxy is faster and can carry more cargo. It has a maximum payload capacity of 130 tons. The original production version, the Galaxy C-5A, can carry 118 tons. Also due to the newer engine, the Super Galaxy has a longer range, as well as 30% shorter takeoff and 38% higher climb rate.
The C-5M has a spacious interior. The cargo hull is 36.8 m long, 5.8 m long and 4.1 m wide. The Super Galaxy has roll-on/roll-off capability with cargo access at both ends of the aircraft. It can carry two M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks, 10 LAV-25 armored reconnaissance vehicles or 16 HMMWVs. Or it can carry 36 standard 463L pallets, or a combination of vehicles and pallets. The C-5 can also carry combat-ready military units. The upper deck accommodates 73 passengers. The lower deck can be configured to transport 270 troops. While not usually assigned parachuting duties, he can also take down paratroopers.
Super Galaxy planes have an impressive range. With a payload of 54 t, it can cover more than 9,700 km. Furthermore this military transport can be refueled during flight. Interestingly, this military transport carries a whooping 150 tons of fuel.
This military transport is operated by a crew of 7, including two pilots, two flight engineers and three loadmasters.
