C-5M Super Galaxy

WHY MODERNIZATION

Imagine a C-5 with a state-of-the-art glass cockpit, 73 aircraft improvements, and all the reliability that the Air Force requires. Reality is closer than you might imagine.

The average C-5 aircraft is 24 years old with 16,000 flying hours and much life remaining. The Air Force, Lockheed Martin, and independent studies show the C-5 fleet to be economically, structurally, and operationally viable through 2040. The C-5As benefited not only from the fitting of a stronger C-5B designed wing in the mid 1980s, but also from comprehensive system improvements to ensure that there are few differences between an A or B model today.

The C-5 was also the first aircraft designed and built to MIL standard 1568 corrosion prevention standards. Studies conducted on behalf of the Air Force show that C-5 modernization is the most cost-effective solution to meeting airlift requirements.

MODERNIZATION PHASE 1

In January 1999, Lockheed Martin was awarded a $454 million contract to develop a new modern C-5 cockpit. Like many Air Force aircraft, the C-5 cockpit needed upgrades to handle future Global Air Traffic Management (GATM) requirements and address the reality that older flight displays would become increasingly difficult to support in the future. The new C-5 AMP cockpit includes a digital all-weather flight control system and autopilot, a new communications and navigation suite, flat panel displays, and improved safety equipment to ease workload and enhance situational awareness. Honeywell, Rockwell-Collins, and Smiths Industries are key partners supporting this program.

Lockheed Martin completed its first Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) flight 21 December 2002, more than two months ahead of the program plan. Both C-5As and Bs are in AMP development and the Air Force plans to begin AMP kit installations in 2004.

MODERNIZATION PHASE 2

In December 2001, Lockheed Martin was awarded a $1.1 billion contract to develop a comprehensive program to address Air Force C-5 reliability concerns. There are currently 73 structural, powerplant, and reliability enhancements incorporated into the Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program (RERP).

The centerpiece of RERP is the new General Electric CF6-80 engine, which has accumulated more than 80 million flying hours and boasts 99.98 percent departure reliability in commercial service. The CF6-80 provides the C-5 with 22 percent more thrust, which will allow the aircraft to carry heavier payloads while climbing directly into GATM airspace at max gross weights.

The first RERP flight is scheduled for October 2005. The Air Force plans to include both C-5As and Bs in the RERP development effort before going into initial low-rate production in 2007.

LOOKING AHEAD

Both AMP and RERP are on contract and meeting major milestones. Air Force analysis indicates that modernization of the C-5 fleet can deliver greater than $1 million per day in reduced operating and support costs as well as nearly $8 billion in reduced total ownership costs.

As with any major acquisition program, the Air Force's Operational Requirements Document (ORD) highlights important operational requirements and performance expectations. The non-negotiable elements of the ORD are referred to as Key Performance Parameters (KPP) and include a variety of aircraft performance and maintenance reliability indicators. The requirements are monitored and updated often to ensure that Air Force expectations for improved reliability are on-track.

C-5S, UNIQUE AIRLIFTERS

The C-5 offers unique capabilities unlike any other platform. Not only does it have outsized and oversized cargo capability, it is the only airlifter in the Air Force capable of moving 100 percent of the DoD's certified air-transportable cargo. It has a unique combination of range and payload that is unmatched. Because of its massive fuel capacity, it is also less dependent on air refueling tanker support.

Although it is often assumed that the C-5 has limited tactical agility, it enjoys a footprint similar to that of a C-130, has demonstrated austere runway operations, and even holds a record for heaviest aerial delivery at 190,396 pounds. During the first eight months of Operation Enduring Freedom, the C-5 flew fewer than one-third of the airlift missions yet delivered almost one-half of the cargo. The C-5 demonstrated 100 percent mission-effectiveness during a series of missions into Kandahar, Afghanistan.

THE FUTURE

Airlift requirements are likely to increase beyond the current goal of 54.5 million-ton miles. It is the joint Air Force and Lockheed Martin expectation that C-5 modernization will go a long way toward generating greater cargo capability, increased aircraft availability, improved reliability, and faster force closure for the warfighter. The benefits of a C-5M Super Galaxy will be felt across the Total Force.

The new C-5 AMP cockpit includes a digital, all-weather flight control system and autopilot, a new communications and navigation suite, flat panel displays and improved safety equipment.

Mark Johnston is business development senior manager, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co.

COPYRIGHT 2003 Reserve Officers Association of the United States
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group