Say Hello To The C-5M

It's cheaper... more capable, and more dependable. That's what Lockheed-Martin says about the latest generation of C-5 Galaxy transports, the first of which was shown off at the company's plant in Marietta, GA this week.

Lockheed reports the C-5M "Super Galaxy", a modernized version of the venerable C-5, features new engines and new avionics. Its GE CF-6 engines -- developed in the commercial sector -- are capable of 22-percent more thrust, resulting in a 30-percent shorter takeoff roll and a 38-percent faster climb to initial altitude. Perhaps even more importantly... the Super Galaxy can carry a LOT more cargo.

The C-5 Avionics Modernization Program also adds an all-new cockpit, featuring a full glass-panel designed for all weather capabilities, and to take some of the workload off the flight crew.

"This C-5M is the first of a new fleet of C-5s that truly raises the bar -- capability is guaranteed, cost saving is guaranteed, and most importantly reliability is guaranteed," said Ralph D. Heath, executive vice president, Lockheed Martin and president, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. "This aircraft represents a capability unique to the United States, and is an asset that truly defines 'global reach.' Today's C-5M takes a proven airframe and injects 21st century technology -- the result is a new era in strategic airlift."

The C-5 fleet, with more than 2 million flight hours, has been the backbone of strategic airlift in every military engagement from Vietnam through Operation Iraqi Freedom. With its estimated design-life of 40 years, the US Air Force estimates the next generation C-5 will save over $20 billion in future operations and support costs, while delivering over one million dollars' savings for every day of operation.

"The new capabilities brought to this aircraft assure that the strength of our country's strategic airlift capability continues unmatched into the future," said Heath. "As a cornerstone of our country's strategic airlift capability, the C-5 shapes national military objectives, provides combat power, humanitarian relief, natural disaster assistance and civil support where and when needed."

Over the next several years, Lockheed Martin will modernize 111 C-5s under a contract with the Air Force... which says it needs the planes as fast as Lockheed can build them.

"The bottom line is that we need these machines," said Gen. Norton Schwartz, United States Transportation Command Commander. "We need them re-engined and out of maintenance just as fast as possible. What you're doing is proving its worth: raising the C-5's mission-capable rate to our minimum goal of 75 percent. For me, 75 percent is the floor, not the ceiling."

Lockheed Martin's Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) and Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining (RERP) programs together yield a modernized C-5M. The RERP centerpiece is the new General Electric CF6-80C2 commercial engine.

FMI: www.lockheedmartin.com