US Air Force,
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio: When the first C-5M Super Galaxy, named the “Spirit of Global Reach,” touched down at Dover Air Force Base, Del., Feb. 9, it signaled the first success of a $7.7 billion acquisition program designed to keep the heavy-lift transport in the air until 2040.
Perhaps still young compared to other aircraft in the fleet, the C-5 has been hauling the heaviest of loads since the early 1970s. In 2002, Aeronautical Systems Center officials here began the program, now managed by personnel in the 716th Aeronautical Systems Group, to upgrade the older aircraft.
“This is the only aircraft in the Air Force capable of transporting 100 percent of air-certified cargo,” said John Artuso, 716 AESG director. “It gives the warfighter a capability he can't get with any other platform.”
Creating the new C-5M is the product of a two-phase modification process. Avionics Modernization Program specialists install state-of-the-art digital cockpits that, along with other capabilities, have the necessary avionics to comply with current global air traffic management requirements.
Re-engining and Reliability Program personnel make more than 70 improvements to the airframe, including installing the new CF6-80C2 turbofan engines. Along with the 22-percent improvement in thrust, the Super Galaxy can take off on shorter runways, climb faster to altitude, fly with better fuel efficiency and carry more cargo for longer distances, while also meeting international noise compliance levels.
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A C-5 Galaxy sits in a depaint hangar at the Lockheed Martin facility in Marietta, Ga., where workers have masked the seams, composite areas and antennas in order to spray on stripper to remove the paint from the aircraft. C-5s are undergoing Avionics Modernization Program and Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program upgrades, modifying them to C-5M Super Galaxys. (U.S. Air Force photo/Sue Sapp)
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“The upgrades that go into the Super Galaxy increase the operational capability by improving reliability, maintainability and availability,” Mr. Artuso said. “The increased range minimizes the need for aerial refueling while cargo throughput is increased. At the same time, it is less expensive to maintain in terms of both time and money.”
To date, three aircraft have received modifications at the Lockheed Martin facility in Marietta, Ga., and completed two integrated systems evaluations. These tests put the Super Galaxy through its paces with Atlantic and Pacific crossings, including polar routes that circled the globe and demonstrated the first C-5M movement of operational cargo.
The Dover C-5M now will go through a familiarization process with seven aircrews and nearly 100 maintainers currently trained on this platform, according to Mr. Artuso.
Sometime in late summer 2009, this aircraft will be joined by the “Spirit of Normandy” to begin the operational test and evaluation process. Once this process is complete and full-rate production is ordered, an additional 49 Super Galaxies will be delivered over the next seven years.
“This is an important victory for Air Force acquisitions and for Air Force Materiel Command,” Mr. Artuso said. “We couldn't have delivered this aircraft without the support of Lockheed Martin and the 730th Aircraft Sustainment Group at Robins AFB, Ga.
