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.