C-5M Super Galaxy Rated As ‘Effective, Suitable And Mission Capable’

Air Attack.com ^ | 3/10/2010 | Air Attack.com

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

The Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) Center has rated the Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] C-5M as "effective, suitable and mission capable" based on results from OT&E testing completed in January 2010.

The OT&E phase spanned four months, evaluating various performance aspects to validate the capability and reliability of the C-5M. These positive test results enable the Super Galaxy to continue to support critical missions flown in support of world-wide operational contingencies.

"The C-5M test was a resounding success because of teamwork between the test team, the user, the contractor and the program office," said Col. John Scorsone, Director of Test and Evaluation for Air Mobility Command. "The integrated test team will now transition to an integrated fielding team which will build on past relationships to help this program achieve even more record-breaking results."

In addition to setting 42 world records last year, the C-5Ms delivered needed cargo to the warfighter during OT&E and continue to perform combat support missions today. Performance during OT&E proved the modernized A and B models of the C-5 are redefining strategic airlift for the military and will be a force multiplier for decades to come.

Payload and range improvements in the C-5M enable a fully loaded aircraft to fly unrefueled for more than 5,000 miles and bypass traditional en route stops. This not only saves thousands of gallons of fuel, but decreases the amount of time needed to get precious cargo to the warfighter’s destination.

[El Gato]

For whatever reason, they've had a devil of a time getting that funded over the last decade or two.

I know. I've been in the Boeing Witchita plant where they have models of several different versions of re-engined BUFFS in a nice case in the lobby. :)

[El Gato]

A couple used to land at Kelly AFB. I cannot remember if they were stationed there.

The Air Force Reserve "schoolhouse" unit for the C-5 is at Kelly Field/Lackland AFB, and has been for a long time. Kelly AFB is gone, but Kelly Field is now part of Lackland AFB. They just moved the boundary between the two to the east side of the airfield, before they turned the base into Kelly USA industrial park. They still overhaul airplanes and engines there, but it's all contractor now.

[alarm rider]

Thanks Gato. I was stationed at Lackland, and flew out of Kelly ocasionally, Last time there was the late 70’s.