USAF C-5M Super Galaxy fleet will fly well into 2040s

Lockheed Martin has finished a 17-year-long project to upgrade the Air Force’s C-5M Super Galaxy.
Since 2001, Lockheed Martin has been carrying out the mammoth task of upgrading 52 C-5Ms. The last of the upgraded Super Galaxy aircraft took off from the Marietta facility Aug. 2, marking the end of the project.
The Air Force’s Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program extends the C-5M’s service lifespan into the 2040s.
Enhancement and Re-engining Program incorporates more than 70 improvements that improve reliability, efficiency, maintainability and availability and includes changes or modifications to the airframe structure; environmental and pneumatic systems; hydraulic systems, electrical system; fuel system; landing gear, and flight controls.”
The C-5M has been a part of the Air Force’s fleet since 1970. It is the largest strategic airlifting platform in the Air Force. Fully loaded, the Super Galaxy can fly at a gross weight of 800,000 pounds.
Upgraded Super Galaxy now boasts, a 22 percent increase in thrust, a shorter takeoff roll; a 58 percent improvement in climb rate and allows the C-5M to cruise — at maximum gross weight — in the Communication/Navigation/Surveillance/Air Traffic Management flight environment."
The upgrade greatly enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced the demand for tanker support.
airforcetimes

USAF declares IOC for C-5M

The USAF has declared initial operating capability (IOC) for its Lockheed Martin C-5M following successful tests.
For IOC, initial spare equipment and parts had to be available in the base supply system at Dover Air Force Base (AFB) in Delaware, as well as spares at some forward supply locations..
With delivery of the 16th aircraft to the 436th Airlift Wing at Dover AFB, the base is now waiting on its final two aircraft to bring it up to full strength.
The C-5M, is the result of a two-phase modernisation programme that includes the Avionics Modernisation Programme (AMP), and the ongoing Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Programme (RERP).
The modernisation programme is designed to improve the fleet mission capability rate as well as the overall reliability and maintainability of the aircraft while reducing total ownership costs.
The Galaxy is the only aircraft in the USAF's inventory that is capable of carrying 100% of the US military's certified air-transportable cargo and, with more than 70% of its structural service life remaining, the C-5M is expected to remain in service until 2040.
The USAF's total C-5 fleet changes monthly based on congressional approval of C-5A retirements. There are currently 37 C-5A, 32 C-5B, and two C-5C aircraft in the inventory, in addition to the 16 C-5Ms now delivered. Current USAF plans call for the C-5A/B/C fleets to be replaced by 52 fully modernised C-5Ms by 2017.
janes

Another Super Galaxy Delivered to USAF

Lockheed Martin delivered its 14th C-5M Super Galaxy to the U.S. Air Force.
An Air Force crew flew the Super Galaxy to Stewart Air National Guard Base, N.Y., where it will undergo internal paint restoration before traveling to its permanent home at Dover Air Force Base, Del. It is the second C-5M delivery in the last two weeks and the fourth for 2013.
The C-5M is the only true strategic airlifter capable of offering the entire globe in one unrefueled flight. A total of 52 Super Galaxy aircraft are scheduled to be delivered to the Air Force by 2017.
lockheedmartin

C-5M undergoes ‘super’ upgrade at Edwards AFB

In 2006, the C-5 Galaxy underwent a “super” upgrade to further strengthen the airframe’s worldwide airlift capabilities.
Test teams here and at Dover Air Force Base, Del., are showing why the recent software upgrade to the largest aircraft in the Air Force inventory — now known as the C-5M Super Galaxy — is no small task.

defencetalk

El C-5M entra en servicio/ C-5M ready for duty

El primer avión de transporte Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy, versión modernizada del Galaxy, ha llegado a su unidad de destino, la 9th Airlift Squadron, 436th Airlift Wing, en Dover, Delaware. El total de Galaxy a modernizar a la versión C-5M es de 52 unidades para 2016.
key.Aero
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The first production Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy arrived for duty with the 9th Airlift Squadron, 436th Airlift Wing at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on November 5. The fleet of C-5M is planned to total 52 by the end of 2016.
key.Aero