Posted on 05/26/2006 2:39:47 PM PDT by Paleo Conservative
Say Hello To The C-5MIt's cheaper... more capable, and more dependable. That's what Lockheed-Martin says about the latest generation of C-5 Galaxy transports, the first of which was shown off at the company's plant in Marietta, GA this week.
Lockheed reports the C-5M "Super Galaxy", a modernized version of the venerable C-5, features new engines and new avionics. Its GE CF-6 engines -- developed in the commercial sector -- are capable of 22-percent more thrust, resulting in a 30-percent shorter takeoff roll and a 38-percent faster climb to initial altitude. Perhaps even more importantly... the Super Galaxy can carry a LOT more cargo.
The C-5 Avionics Modernization Program also adds an all-new cockpit, featuring a full glass-panel designed for all weather capabilities, and to take some of the workload off the flight crew.
"This C-5M is the first of a new fleet of C-5s that truly raises the bar -- capability is guaranteed, cost saving is guaranteed, and most importantly reliability is guaranteed," said Ralph D. Heath, executive vice president, Lockheed Martin and president, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. "This aircraft represents a capability unique to the United States, and is an asset that truly defines 'global reach.' Today's C-5M takes a proven airframe and injects 21st century technology -- the result is a new era in strategic airlift."
The C-5 fleet, with more than 2 million flight hours, has been the backbone of strategic airlift in every military engagement from Vietnam through Operation Iraqi Freedom. With its estimated design-life of 40 years, the US Air Force estimates the next generation C-5 will save over $20 billion in future operations and support costs, while delivering over one million dollars' savings for every day of operation.
"The new capabilities brought to this aircraft assure that the strength of our country's strategic airlift capability continues unmatched into the future," said Heath. "As a cornerstone of our country's strategic airlift capability, the C-5 shapes national military objectives, provides combat power, humanitarian relief, natural disaster assistance and civil support where and when needed."
Over the next several years, Lockheed Martin will modernize 111 C-5s under a contract with the Air Force... which says it needs the planes as fast as Lockheed can build them.
"The bottom line is that we need these machines," said Gen. Norton Schwartz, United States Transportation Command Commander. "We need them re-engined and out of maintenance just as fast as possible. What you're doing is proving its worth: raising the C-5's mission-capable rate to our minimum goal of 75 percent. For me, 75 percent is the floor, not the ceiling."
Lockheed Martin's Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) and Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining (RERP) programs together yield a modernized C-5M. The RERP centerpiece is the new General Electric CF6-80C2 commercial engine.
Souped-up C-5M delivered to U.S. Air Force
MARIETTA, Ga., May 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. Air Force took delivery Tuesday of the first of 111 C-5M cargo planes that will undergo modernization to extend its range and carrying capacity.
A small ceremony for the big plane was held at Lockheed Martin's Marietta, Georgia plant where C-5s are being equipped with new engines and avionics that will extend the service life of the fleet to 2040.
The program's primary feature is the installation of new General Electric CF6 engines that deliver 22-percent more thrust than the original engines. The improved power plant gives the C-5M a shorter takeoff roll and 38-percent higher climb rate, and allows the plane to carrier larger cargo loads over longer distances at a reduced per-mile cost.
In addition, the avionics have been upgraded with digital flight control and autopilot systems, better navigation and communications, and flat panel displays.
"More than 70 improvements have been implemented to increase mission capable rates to new highs, and new avionics meet current air traffic management requirements and ensure system compatibility for future growth," summed up Lockheed Vice President George Shultz. "The C-5M Super Galaxy will be the only strategic airlift resource with reduced total ownership cost and continual savings in operations and maintenance."
The total cost of the C-5M program has been pegged at about $13 billion; however that compares to estimates of $38 billion the Air Force would have to spend on new planes to achieve the same increase in cargo-carrying capacity.
Outstanding.
If you want on or off my aerospace ping list, please contact me by Freep mail.
Thanks! Be back to read this later.
lawn dart?
I am betting that nose is just a test fixture.
I responded that I was surprised she had fifth dimensional memebranes to hand out so freely.
Several years ago, I was playing Golf at Sunnyvale Muni, just across the freeway (US 101) from Moffett Field.
A C5A Galaxy flew in right over our heads and it literally blocked the sun. I'm glad it was not a seagull because I would hate to think of what it might have done.
Talk about HUGE!
Considering that the engines are the same CF-6-80C engines installed on hundreds of 774-400's, it should be much easier to maintain them over the next 35-40 years rather than the original GE TF-39 engines that were a predecessor of the CF-6 engines on early 747's.
Yes, I'm series, and quit calling me Shirley!
Talk about HUGE!
We get a C-5 just about every week at the local naval air station. The engines sound as if a few loose screw are rattling around in the turbines.
I used to see that very same plane fly over our office when I was working down there. Big, loud, impressive.
I remember about 15 or so years ago they flew a C-5 to Chicago to take part in an air show. The plane was supposed to land at the Naval Reserve Air Station in Glenview but somehow screwed up and settled into the pattern for the civil aviation airfield at Palwaukee a few miles to the west. The crew recognized their error in time but had they managed to set that puppy down I wouldn't have wanted to be living in the apartments at either end of the runway. At the time I believe the runways were about 4000 feet long so had it landed I'm not sure they would have gotten it off again. They probably would have had to dismantle it and truck it out.
I responded that I was surprised she had fifth dimensional memebranes to hand out so freely.
Big Deal.
I had a Buddhist hot dog vendor ask me if he could make me one with everything.
Bump
Ping.
Should be cool
But they cost somewhere between $150 million and $200 million each. They also don't have the range to cross the Atlantic without refueling. The Improved performance and fuel economy will enable the C-5 fleet to carry a larger proportion of cargo while decreasing the need for aerial refueling which is very expensive. I read an article a year or two ago that said it costs $17 per gallon of jet fuel to refuel aircraft in the air.
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