RERP Adds CF6s To Venerable Heavy-Lifter

Lockheed Martin's C-5 Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program (RERP) flight test team has successfully completed developmental testing of all three C-5 RERP test aircraft. The testing included verification of performance and reliability enhancements to the propulsion system, utilities and subsystems, flight controls, airframe and avionics systems.

"This significant milestone is yet another step in ensuring the C-5 continues supporting our customer's strategic airlift requirements for many decades," said George Shultz, vice president of the C-5 Modernization Program at Lockheed Martin. "Completing this test profile represents the hard work, cooperation and professionalism of our combined USAF and Lockheed Martin test team. The modified C-5M performed great throughout the test program, demonstrating consistent and reliable performance allowing this team to execute all test points as planned."

Now that RERP developmental flight test is complete, preparations get underway to deliver the three test aircraft to the Air Force in support of Operational Test and Evaluation, scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2009.

The C-5M Super Galaxy is the result of a two-phase modernization effort. The first and ongoing phase is the Avionics Modernization Program (AMP), which provides a state-of-the art glass cockpit and a digital backbone to support the RERP modifications. Forty-three C-5 aircraft have completed the AMP modifications. The aircraft, already returned to the fleet, have logged more than 38,000 hours of operational use.

RERP is the second phase, which adds new GE CF6-80C2 commercial engines and 70 other enhancements or replacements of major components and subsystems. The modification significantly increases systems reliability and improves availability. The additional 10,000 pounds of thrust per propulsion system creates 40,000 pounds more thrust across the platform, significantly improving operational performance.

Lockheed says these reliability enhancements dramatically reduce total ownership cost for the USAF, and the more fuel efficient CF6-80C2 will offer an additional fuel savings benefit.

The C-5 fleet has been the backbone of strategic airlift in every engagement since it entered service. It 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. The C-5M can carry twice the cargo of other strategic airlift systems and the modified C-5M Super Galaxy will continue to be a force enabler through 2040.

FMI: www.lockheedmartin.com