Article Posted on : - Jun 09, 2010

A C-5B Galaxy lands in Marietta, where it will be modernised to become a C-5M Super Galaxy. Photo: Lockheed Martin.

MARIETTA (BNS): Lockheed Martin has inducted its 3rd C-5 strategic airlifter in the Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program (RERP) production line on Tuesday.

By mid-2011 the aircraft will become the sixth C-5M flying operational missions in support of America’s strategic airlift requirements.
C-5M is the largest and most capable airlift aircraft in the US Air Force fleet.

"We are excited every time we induct an aircraft to become a Super Galaxy, because it is the sunrise of a new generation of strategic airlifters. The strategic value of the C-5M, as well as the value to the taxpayer, is unmatched. The C-5M is less than half the cost of other US strategic airlifters and it provides twice the capability,” Lorraine Martin, Lockheed Martin C-5 vice president, said in a company news release.

The RERP modifications in the C-5 airlifter will turn it into a C-5M Super Galaxy, which consist of more than 70 improvements and upgrades to the C-5 airframe and aircraft systems, and include the installation of new higher-thrust, more reliable turbofan engines.

Lockheed’s third aircraft to enter the RERP/Modernisation production line is a C-5B based at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. This aircraft, US Air Force (USAF) serial number 85-0005, was delivered to Dover on Jan. 28, 1987 and has served US military operations across the globe in such areas as Afghanistan, Iraq, Morocco, Qatar, Senegal and Thailand.

The first production of C-5M is scheduled to be delivered at Dover AFB later this year. USAF plans for the modification of 52 C-5Ms (modification of 49 C-5Bs, two C-5Cs, and one C-5A) from Lockheed Martin by 2016.