Lockheed Martin delivers final C-5M Super Galaxy military airlifter to US Air Force

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Lockheed Martin delivers final C-5M Super Galaxy military airlifter to US Air Force
 
Lockheed Martin delivered another C-5M Super Galaxy to the U. S. Air Force on Aug. 5. A Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) aircrew ferried the aircraft from the Lockheed Martin facility here to Travis Air Force Base, in Fairfield, California, where it will be permanently based. It will be the 12th Super Galaxy assigned to Travis, the defense giant announced Thursday August 6.
     
Lockheed Martin delivered another C-5M Super Galaxy to the U. S. Air Force on Aug. 5. A Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) aircrew ferried the aircraft from the Lockheed Martin facility here to Travis Air Force Base, in Fairfield, California, where it will be permanently based. It will be the 12th Super Galaxy assigned to Travis, the defense giant announced Thursday August 6. The latest Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy takes off on its delivery flight on Aug. 5, 2015
 (Credit: Damien Guarnieri)
     
The aircraft (U. S. Air Force serial number 86-0026) as originally delivered to the Air Force in June 1988 and has recorded approximately 20,230 flight hours over its career. This C-5M was delivered more than six weeks ahead of the contract commitment delivery date.

The C-5M Super Galaxy is the result of a two-phase modernization effort: the Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) and the Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program (RERP).

AMP adds a new, modern cockpit with a digital, all-weather flight control system and autopilot; a new communications suite; flat-panel displays; and enhanced navigation and safety equipment. Enhancements such as the integrated datalink capabilities, predictive flight performance cues and situational awareness displays (the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System) greatly ease crew workload and enhance situational awareness. AMP is the digital backbone to support RERP.

Now, with more powerful GE CF6-80C2 commercial engines (military designation F138-GE-100) engines and 70 major enhancements, the C-5M Super Galaxy can deliver the globe in one flight, unrefueled. The C-5M is an airlift revolution. With more capability, reliability and affordability than its predecessors, the world record-setting C-5M is rewriting the strategic airlift playbook. The new engine produces more than 50,000 pounds of thrust – a 22 percent increase over current TF39 engines – and is Stage IV noise compliant. The C-5M also has a 58 percent greater climb rate to an initial cruise altitude that is 38 percent higher than the current C-5. This capability delivers fuel savings greater than 20 percent compared to other airlifters. With improved reliability and unmatched range and payload capability, the C-5M provides our nation with the ability to respond to a crisis anywhere in the world with the largest payload of vital supplies on a moment’s notice. The newly modernized C-5M Super Galaxy will be the global leader in strategic airlift for decades to come.