Photo By Scott Sturkol | People attending the Airpower Over the Midwest Airshow look at a static display of a...... read more read more
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SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. - People attending the 2010 Airpower Over the Midwest Airshow Sept. 11-12 were able to catch a glimpse of a C-5M Super Galaxy from Dover Air Force Base, Del.
The C-5M Super Galaxy has the latest upgrades in communications, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management, autopilot and safety equipment for the C-5 airframe, Air Mobility Command officials note.
AMC began an aggressive program to modernize all remaining C-5Bs and C-5Cs and many of the C-5As in its inventory. The C-5 Avionics Modernization Program began in 1998 and included upgraded avionics, improved communications, new flat panel displays, improved navigation and safety equipment, and a new autopilot system. The first flight of the first AMP-modified C-5 (tail number 85-0004) occurred on Dec. 21, 2002.
Another part of the C-5 modernization plan is the Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program, which includes new General Electric CF6-80C2 engines, pylons and auxiliary power units, with upgrades to the aircraft skin and frame, landing gear, cockpit and pressurization system.
The C-5 aircraft that undergo both the AMP and RERP upgrades are designated C-5M, also known as the "Super Galaxy." The Air Force plans to upgrade 52 Galaxies to "super" status by the end of 2016.
Each of the C-5M's CF6 engines produces 50,000 foot-pounds of thrust; up from the 43,000 pounds generated by the older General Electric TF-39 engines. The 22 percent increase in thrust results in a 30 percent shorter take-off roll, a 38 percent higher climb rate to initial altitude, a significantly increased cargo load, and a longer range between refueling.
To put this into perspective, a C-5M with 50,000 pounds of fuel only needs 1,500 feet of runway to get airborne, while the legacy C-5s need between 3,000 to 4,000 feet. Additionally, a C-5M, at an average Takeoff Gross Weight above 600,000 lbs, can climb to cruising altitude of 34,000 feet in 18 minutes while legacy C-5s need 33 minutes to reach 25,000 feet. The faster climb saves fuel since less is needed at its cruising altitude.
The AMP and RERP modernization programs are expected to raise the Mission Capable Rate to a minimum wartime goal of 75 percent, at an average procurement unit cost of $119 million per plane, which includes the aircraft and logistics support.
And the warfighter isn't the only one who benefits from Super Galaxy; the Air Force estimates the C-5M will save taxpayers in excess of $17 billion over the next 40 years.
As for the airshow, more than 180,000 people attended during both days and tens of thousands of visitors stopped to see the C-5M on display.
(Mark Diamond, Air Mobility Command Public Affairs, contributed to this story.)
| Date Taken: | 09.12.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 09.14.2010 14:55 |
| Story ID: | 56258 |
| Location: | SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, ILLINOIS, US |
| Web Views: | 104 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
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