of the aircraft and its systems. With the
M-model, new computer programs are
thankfully able to run diagnostics, virtually
pinpointing mechanical and software
malfunctions without the extensive use of
manuals and wiring diagrams.
SSgt David Rodgers, a ying crew chief
instructor at the 60th Aircraft Maintenance
Squadron (AMXS), teaches mechanics how
to perform and orchestrate maintenance
at austere locations and non-repair
capable facilities. He says, ‘I started at
Travis in June 2007 as a crew chief before
moving on to our support ight in 2008
to maintain and ensure we mechanics
had the proper test equipment and tools
to achieve mission success. Returning to
the ight line in 2010, I applied my system
knowledge to achieve primary ying crew
chief [status] in 2011 [and] I have been
traveling with the 22nd ever since.’
As with any new software and
propulsion systems on more mature
hardware, a trial period and time are
needed to work out the bugs. Rodgers
explained, ‘We have worked with
Lockheed engineers to get new software
updates that allow missions to continue
and further treat malfunctions with
more of a precise approach, decreasing
down-time due to maintenance issues and
allowing more ights to stay on track. The
new CF6 propulsion system has taken this
aircraft to whole new heights, allowing
for longer direct ights and better fuel
economy, reducing the cost and need for
air-to-air fuel transfers.’As the Department of Defense’s only purely
strategic airlifter, the 22nd’s C-5s can transport
more equipment, supplies, and personnel farther than
any other aircraft that the US has at its disposal
Right top to
bottom: The
cockpit of the
C-5M has been
dramatically
overhauled as
part of the C-5M
modernization
alongside the
engine upgrade.
Between 2002
and 2012, 27
C-5As, 50
C-5Bs and two
C-5Cs were
updated with a
modern digital
cockpit under
the avionics
modernization
program (AMP).
USAF/SSgt Aaron
Jenne
Below: The
C-5M program
was justifi ed
as a means to
realize signifi cant
reductions in
operating and
support costs.http://www.combataircraft.net // August 2018 79
74-79 22nd AS C.indd 79 21/06/2018 13:53