Defense Media Network

Lockheed Martin Delivers 22nd C-5M Super Galaxy to the Air Force

The 22nd C-5M Super Galaxy left Lockheed Martin’s Marietta, Georgia plant for Stewart Air National Guard Base, New York Aug. 25, according to a Lockheed Martin release. A U.S. Air Force crew ferried the C-5M Super Galaxy from the Lockheed Martin facilities.

The C-5 AMP (Avionics Modernization Program) and RERP (Reliability Enhancement & Re-Engining Program) are intended to resolve many of the reliability issues of the aircraft and keep a C-5M fleet in service until 2040.

Aircraft 86-0011 was ferried by a crew led by Maj. Gen. Dwyer L. Dennis, Director, Global Reach Programs, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., and is to be delivered to Travis Air Force Base, California. The C-5M modernization program is upgrading the avionics of C-5 aircraft, among other changes, in an effort to improve the reliability of the fleet, and installing new F138-GE-100 jet engines. The engines are derived from General Electric’s CF6-80C2s, used aboard many Boeing 747s, including Air Force VC-25s, better known as Air Force One when the president is aboard.

The C-5, when introduced, was the largest aircraft in the world, but it has suffered from problems with reliability. The C-5 AMP (Avionics Modernization Program) and RERP (Reliability Enhancement & Re-Engining Program) are intended to resolve many of the reliability issues of the aircraft and keep a C-5M fleet in service until 2040. The C-5 is considered an important airlift asset for the Air Force as it has both longer range and greater cargo capacity than the C-17 Globemaster III. C-5M Super Galaxy 86-0011’s stop at Stewart Air National Guard Base will be for internal paint restoration, according to the release. When the restoration is finished, it will be the fourth Super Galaxy to go to Travis AFB.