enhancements such as new engines,
structural improvements and a redesigned
hydraulic system were suggested, and
ultimately got the green light in late 2001.
The reliability enhancement and re-engining
programme (RERP), along with the AMP,
aims to keep the aircraft in service until at
least 2040. The 52 overhauled aircraft are
known as C-5M Super Galaxies.
Lockheed Martin undertook the
C-5M modi cation – which involved 70
enhancements – at its Marietta facility in
Georgia, and the initial ight of the new
variant took place at Dobbins AFB, Georgia,
on June 19, 2006. Some 18 months of
test work followed, and the rst operational
example was delivered to the USAF on
December 10, 2008. The type reached
initial operating capability (IOC) on February
24, 2014 when the 16th C-5M had been
delivered to the air force.The newly tted General Electric CF6-
80C2 powerplants produces 50,580lb
(225kN) of thrust, an increase of 22%compared with the TF-39-GE-1C of the
C-5B. The new engines enable it to carry
a larger payload, provide a 58% greater
climb rate, use less fuel and operate from
shorter runways. The C-5M’s motors are
also quieter and produce fewer emissions
and are considerably more reliable. The
C-5M also has a new full authority digital
electronic control (FADEC III) system which
provides better diagnostics, plus a thrust
reverser that can be deployed in ight for
faster descents.
While the upgrade process was going
on, the existing Galaxy eet continued to
provide extensive airlift support to the US
military and its allies. The war/ongoing
operations in Afghanistan following the
terrorist attacks on the USA in 2001,
the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and other
con icts, have all involved the C-5 eet.
This work has been carried out alongside
the USA’s other transport aircraft such
as the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III and
Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules.62 Aviation News incorporating Jets August 2018PRESIDENTIAL DUTIES
One of the Galaxy’s more unusual roles is to
provide support to the US President during
overseas visits. The transporter’s massive hold is
utilised to move the limousines and cars required,
plus other outsized items deemed necessary
during the commander-in-chief’s time away
from the USA. The C-5 was also used to move
archive items belonging to former presidents
Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton to storage sites in
California and Arkansas respectively.
More unusual still was the C-5’s role in Pope
John Paul II’s US visit in 1987. The jetliner
moved papal staff and limousines for the pontiff
to several locations during the tour. One of the
vehicles moved was the famous glass-enclosed
and armoured ‘Pope Mobile’.A US airman assigned to the 60th Air Mobility Wing conducts pre- ight checks on the
massive wheel assembly of a C-5M Super Galaxy prior to launch at Travis on May 18, 2018.
USAF/Heide CouchA USMC Bell AH-1 Z Super Cobra is loaded
onto a Galaxy at MCAS Miramar, California
on December 15, 2017. The helicopter was
then transported to Hawaii. USMC/Lance
Cpl Clare J McIntire58-63_galaxyDC.mfDC.mfDC.indd 62 03/07/2018 11:53