Three Modified Galaxy Transports To Be Used In Evaluation

Lockheed Martin recently delivered the second of three modernized developmental test C-5M aircraft to the US Air Force. Following a brief ceremony at the company's Marietta facility, Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, Commander, Air Mobility Command, flew the C-5M to Dover AFB, DE where Air Force flight crews and maintainers will become familiar with the aircraft's new systems and capabilities.

"Sending the C-5M home to Dover is a proud day for our modernization program," said Lorraine Martin, Lockheed Martin C-5 program vice president. "The Super Galaxy will continue to serve the warfighter while preserving a critical capability for decades to come. As a vital and essential element of strategic airlift, the C-5M delivers more power, reliability and capability to the US Air Force."

Lockheed says the C-5M Super Galaxy climbs higher and faster than its legacy counterparts, while carrying more cargo over longer distances. It also requires less tanker support and is projected to have a much higher mission availability rate due to increased reliability.

Current Air Force plans call for Lockheed Martin to deliver 52 C-5Ms by 2016.

The C-5M is the product of a two-phase modernization effort. The first, the ongoing Avionics Modernization Program (AMP), provides a glass cockpit with modern avionics and flight instruments that meet future Communication, Navigation, Surveillance and Air Traffic Management requirements. AMP kit installations have now been completed on more than 40 C-5Bs. Lockheed Martin is under contract to perform AMP modifications on 111 C-5 aircraft.

The Reliability Enhancement and Re-Engining Program (RERP) is the second phase of the C-5 modernization effort. It includes 70 enhancements or replacements of major components and subsystems, including the installation of GE CF6-80C2 commercial engines. Modernization of the C-5 pays for itself through savings in operation and sustainment costs.

Lockheed notes the C-5 is the only aircraft capable of carrying 100 percent of certified air-transportable cargo, with a dedicated passenger compartment enabling commanders to have troops and their equipment arrive in an area of operation simultaneously.

FMI: www.lockheedmartin.com/