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Lockheed C-5 Galaxy | Strategic airlifter

Lockheed C-5 Galaxy
Lockheed C-5 Galaxy

Militarymedia.net - The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy heavy logistics transport, now supported by the Lockheed Martin Corporation, is key to the US strategic airlift capability. The C-5 has a spacious interior and roll-on/roll-off capability with access to cargo at both ends of the fuselage.

The first C-5A flew on June 30, 1968, and the first operational aircraft was delivered on December 17, 1969 with the last in May 1973. The C-5A initially suffered from wing cracking and cost overruns, but has since functioned well. Between 1981 and 1987, a total of 77 of the 81 production C-5As received wings of a nearly new design and with greater corrosion resistance.

From 1986 to 1989, the production line was reopened to produce 50 improved C-5Bs incorporating modifications and upgrades resulting from experience with the C-5A. The first C-5Bs were delivered to the US Air Force in 1986.

The C-5A/B has a maximum payload capacity of 118 tonnes and can carry it to a distance of 5,526 km. Range can be extended with in-flight refueling. However during wartime a maximum payload of 132 t is allowed. This type delivers the most ton-miles at the fastest speed of any American airlifter. The C-5 Galaxy is the largest aircraft routinely operated by US forces. The aircraft can carry two M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks, 10 LAV-25 armored reconnaissance vehicles, 16 HMMWVs, or 7 UH-1 Huey helicopters. Or can carry 36 standard 463L pallets. A combination of vehicles and pallets can be carried. The C-5 can transport combat-ready military units by air. The upper deck accommodates 73 passengers. The lower deck can be configured to transport 270 troops. While not normally assigned parachuting duties, the C-5 can also field paratroopers.

This military transport is operated by a crew of 7, including two pilots, two flight engineers and three loadmasters.

The designation C-5C is applied to two modified aircraft with sealed front armor and a reinforced interior for the transport of satellites and space equipment. Both aircraft are operated by the US Air Force and NASA.

Unfortunately the C-5 aircraft have experienced serious reliability issues resulting in a low level of mission capability. Availability is back above 50%. In particular the C-5 had an unreliable engine. The USAF further addressed the shortage of airlift capacity as a result of the retirement of the C-141. Major upgrades are needed to keep the C-5 fleet operational through 2030. It is planned that around 125 aircraft will receive new digital automatic flight controls, new cockpit displays, and new communications and navigation equipment. In 1998 avionics modernization on the C-5 aircraft began. In 2000, the USAF selected a General Electric F138-GE-100 (CF6-80C2L1F) turbofan to initially reenginee
r the 50 youngest C-5Bs. The rejuvenation program started in 2006.

The C-5A/Bs aircraft are equipped with the Air Mobility Command, Air Force Reserve Command and Air National Guard Units. At least two C-5As are assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command and have a special forces role. Strategic airlift capabilities have become a key logistical component of US military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The C-5M Super Galaxy is the latest upgraded version of the older C-5A, C-5B and C-5C aircraft. 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 22 aircraft. Deliveries are planned to be completed in 2018. The Super Galaxy is equipped with a new engine and as a result has significantly increased payload capacity and has a longer range. It is planned that in 2017-2018 the US Air Force will reduce its C-5 fleet to 52 Super Galaxy aircraft and previously the C-5A, C-5B and C-5C will be retired.

Lockheed C-5 Galaxy
Lockheed C-5 Galaxy

Lockheed C-5 Galaxy Variant

C-5A, original production version. It was produced between 1969 and 1973. A total of 81 aircraft were delivered.

Improved production version C-5B. It has improved wings, upgraded engines, updated avionics and simplified landing gear. It was produced from 1986-1989. The first C-5B was delivered in 1986. A total of 50 aircraft were delivered to the US Air Force.

C-5C variant specially modified to transport large cargo. It can accommodate larger loads, such as satellites. Only two aircraft were modified to this standard. It is operated by the US Air Force for NASA.

The C-5M Super Galaxy is an updated version of the older C-5A, C-5B and C-5C aircraft. Upgrades include a new General Electric F138-GE-100 commercial engine, improved avionics, a new autopilot system, improved landing gear, and other improvements. Due to the new engine, the Super Galaxy can carry more cargo (130 t) and has a longer range, as well as 30% shorter takeoff and 38% higher climb rate. 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.

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