Lockheed C-5 Galaxy || EXTREME HEAVY LIFT TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT

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

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

From 1986 to 1989, the production line was re-opened to manufacture 50 improved C-5Bs that incorporated modifications and improvements resulting from experience with the C-5A. The first C-5B was delivered to the US Air Force in 1986.

The C-5A/B have a maximum payload capacity of 118 t and can carry it to a range of 5 526 km. The range can be extended by in-flight refueling. However during wartime a maximum payload of 132 t is allowed. The type provided 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. This aircraft can carry two M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks, 10 LAV-25 armored reconnaissance vehicles, 16 HMMWVs, or 7 UH-1 Huey helicopters. Alternatively it can carry 36 standard 463L pallets. A combination of vehicles and pallets can be carried. The C-5 can airlift a combat ready military unit. The upper deck accommodates 73 passengers. The lower deck can be configured for transportation of 270 troops. Although not usually assigned airdrop duties, the C-5 can also drop paratroops.

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

The C-5C designation is applied to two aircraft modified with sealed front visor and strengthened interior for the carriage of satellites and space equipment. These two aircraft are operated by the US Air Force and NASA.

Unfortunately the C-5 aircraft have suffered from serious reliability problems that resulted in low mission capable rates. Availability was rearly above 50%. Notably the C-5s had unreliable engines. Furthermore the USAF addressed the shortfall in airlift capacity as a result of the C-141's retirement. Major upgrades were required to keep the C-5 fleet operational until 2030. It was planned that around 125 aircraft would receive new digital automatic flight controls, new cockpit displays and new communications and navigation equipment. In 1998 avionics modernization on C-5 aircraft began. In 2000 the USAF selected the General Electric F138-GE-100 (CF6-80C2L1F) turbofan to initially re-engine the 50 youngest C-5Bs. Re-engening program began in 2006.

The C-5A/Bs aircraft equiped Air Mobility Command, Air Force Reserve Command, and Air National Guard Units. At least two C-5As were assigned to Air Forces Special Operations Command and had a special forces role. Strategic airlift capability has been a key logistical component of the 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 during the same year. A modernization order for 52 C-5 aircraft was issued and low-rate production commenced in 2009. The Super Galaxy reached initial operating capability in 2014 with 22 aircraft delivered. Deliveries are planned to be completed in 2018. The Super Galaxy is fitted with new engines and as a result has significantly improved payload capacity and has longer range. It was planned that by 2017-2018 the US Air Force will reduce its C-5 fleet to 52 Super Galaxy aircraft and the previous C-5A, C-5B and C-5C will be retired.

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