The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is a large military transport aircraft originally designed and built by Lockheed, and now maintained and upgraded by its successor, Lockheed Martin. It provides the United States Air Force (USAF) with a heavy intercontinental-range strategic airlift capability, one that can carry outsized and oversized loads, including all air-certifiable cargo. The Galaxy has many similarities to its smaller Lockheed C-141 Starlifter predecessor, and the later Boeing C-17 Globemaster III. The C-5 is among the largest military aircraft in the world.
The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is one of the largest military transport aircraft ever built, designed to provide the United States Air Force (USAF) with heavy strategic intercontinental airlift capability. The C-5B variant, introduced in the mid-1980s, was an upgraded version of the original C-5A. It incorporated all the improvements and modifications developed for the C-5A, including enhanced wing structures and updated avionics, but was built using more reliable, modern manufacturing techniques. The C-5B can carry virtually any U.S. military-certified air-transportable equipment, including two M1 Abrams main battle tanks, or a massive amount of cargo and personnel over global distances. It is characterized by its signature high wing, T-tail, and clam-shell doors at both the nose and tail for roll-on/roll-off loading.
Property
Typical Value (C-5B Galaxy)
Role
Strategic Heavy Airlift Transport
National Origin
United States
Manufacturer
Lockheed Corporation (now Lockheed Martin)
Service Entry (C-5B)
1986
Crew
4 (Pilot, Co-pilot, two Flight Engineers) + Relief Crew as needed
Capacity
Up to 270 troops or 127,460 kg (281,000 lb) of cargo
Length
75.31 m (247 ft 1 in)
Wingspan
67.89 m (222 ft 9 in)
Height
19.84 m (65 ft 1 in)
Empty Weight
170,000 kg (375,000 lb)
Max Takeoff Weight
381,000 kg (840,000 lb)
Powerplant and Performance
Engines: 4 x General Electric TF39-GE-1C turbofan engines (original C-5B).
Thrust (Each): 190 kN (43,000 lbf).
Maximum Speed: Mach 0.77 (920 km/h; 571 mph) (at altitude).
Cruise Speed: Mach 0.75 (856 km/h; 532 mph).
Range (Empty): 8,980 km (5,580 mi; 4,850 nmi).
Range (Max Payload): 4,440 km (2,760 mi; 2,400 nmi).
Landing Gear: Unique 28-wheel landing gear system designed to distribute the aircraft’s immense weight, allowing operations from unimproved surfaces. The aircraft can kneel to facilitate loading.
Loading Features and Current Status
Loading Access: Features a cargo loading ramp at the nose (visor-type door) and a ramp at the tail (clamshell doors), allowing dual-end loading and unloading.
Cargo Deck: The main cargo compartment is 37 meters (121 feet) long. A separate passenger compartment is located above the cargo deck.
Current Status: The majority of C-5B and older C-5A aircraft have been modernized under the Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program (RERP), upgrading them to the C-5M Super Galaxy configuration with new, more powerful engines and updated avionics.
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