C-5 Galaxy

C-5 Galaxy (Strategic airlifter) – 71

Manufacturer: Lockheed Corporation, Lockheed Martin

First flight: 30 June 1968

Introduction: June 1970

Produced:

C-5A – 1968-1973;

C-5B – 1985-1989

Number built: 131 (C-5A – 81, C-5B – 50)

Unit cost: C-5B – $168 million (1987)

Crew: 7 typical (aircraft commander, pilot, two flight engineers, three loadmasters)

4 minimum (pilot, copilot, two flight engineers)

Payload: 122,470 kg

Length: 75.31 m

Wingspan: 67.89 m

Height: 19.84 m

Wing area: 576 m²

Empty weight: 172,370 kg

Loaded weight: 348,800 kg

Max. takeoff weight: 381,000 kg

Powerplant: 4× General Electric TF39-GE-1C high-bypass turbofan, 19,375 kgf (190 kN) each

Maximum speed: Mach 0.79 (932 km/h)

Cruise speed: Mach 0.77 (919 km/h)

Range: 4,440 km with a 119,400 kg payload

Service ceiling: 10,600 m at 279,000 kg gross weight

Rate of climb: 9.14 m/s

Wing loading: 610 kg/ m²

Thrust/weight: 0.22

Takeoff roll: 2,600 m

Landing roll: 1,100 m

Fuel capacity: 193,600 L

C-5M Super Galaxy

Following a study showing 80% of the C-5 airframe service life remaining, AMC began an aggressive program to modernize all remaining C-5Bs and C-5Cs and many of the C-5As. The C-5 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) began in 1998 and includes upgrading avionics to Global Air Traffic Management compliance, improving communications, new flat panel displays, improving navigation and safety equipment, and installing a new autopilot system. The first flight of a C-5 with AMP (85-0004) occurred on 21 December 2002.

The Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program (RERP) began in 2006. It includes new General Electric F138-GE-100 (CF6-80C2) engines, pylons and auxiliary power units, upgrades to aircraft skin and frame, landing gear, cockpit and pressurization systems. The CF6 engine produces 22% more thrust (for 22,434 kgf or 220 kN) from each engine, providing a 30% shorter takeoff, a 38% higher climb rate to initial altitude, an increased cargo load and a longer range. Upgraded C-5s are designated C-5M Super Galaxy. The C-5M reached initial operating capability (IOC) on 24 February 2014 with 16 aircraft delivered.

The U.S. Air Force plans to reduce the fleet to 52 «M» models by 2017