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.
Hell yea!
Now if that was a nose-mounted turret...
JATO or RATO could've helped. Though its not used as much these days.
I don't believe that C-5s can use rocket assists for takeoff.
C-5M's are upgrades to existing airframes? LOL! I had a feeling that LM could not execute an entire new program from scratch on its own. I was looking to see who its partners were.
Around $1M per refueling, IOW. Yikes!
I doubt that nose is standard, just some probe for testing.
Looks like Teddy Kennedy's after a bout with Chivas.
Early 747's had JT-9D's.
$13 billion / 111 aircraft = $117,000 per plane, but each plane can carry more than twice as much cargo more than twice as far without refueling as a C-17.
$17 per gallon for aerial refueling is quite a bit to pay...what does it go for when they just refuel on the ground?
I think the report quoted a cost of a couple of dollars per gallon to refuel on the ground. That report was rather interesting. It recommended reengining the B-52H to increase its combat radius and decrease its burden on the KC-10 and KC-135 fleet. it also suggested that the M1A1 Abrams fleet should be equipped with auxiliary power units (APU's) to decrease their fuel consumption while idling. The tubine engines on them are quite powerful, but they consume almost as much fuel while idling and providing electrical power as they do while going full speed. Ever wonder why the Abrams tanks moved so quickly into Iraq without stopping?
But some early 747-200's from 1971 had CF-6 engines. So did DC-10's.
The last C-5B came off the line in 1989. Secretary of Defense Cheney ordered Lockheed to destroy the tooling for the C-5 shortly after that. I really don't understand why the C-5B's were built with obsolete TF-39 engines in the late 1980's.
If you ever get out to Honolulu airport, drive to the edge of Lagoon Road and watch those monsters take off on top of you.
Its cool.
The statute of limitations has passed! :-)
The C-5A was built in the 70s but the C-5B was produced from 1986 to 1989. I flew on a B model in 1989 that had logged only 24 flying hours - the protective plastic was still on the troop seats. There are two C-5s designated as C-5A-SCM (Space Container Modification) which were modified with larger rear pressure doors and had the troop seats removed to accomodate satellites and other oversize aerospace hardware. A total of 74 A models and 50 B models were built.
That a test probe for the prototype flight tests... it's SOP for most aircraft testing
You don't see them until they're directly above you. The C-5's look as though they're going to squash you.
That's got a nose on it almost a big as Barbra Streisand's!
Better shape too -
Can they do that?
I really don't understand why the C-5B's were built with obsolete TF-39 engines in the late 1980's.
Politics usually has something to do with it? ;)
How interesting!
Are you sure it was Sunnyvale Muni by 237 and Mathilda or are you thinking of the small 9-hole on Wolfe?
It was Sunnyvale Muni...I forget the hole, but there was a sign company to the left of the fairway on a par 3 and I actually hooked my shot into the front window!
Dont know about the -200's, just that Pratt tested the JT9D on a B-52 out of my home town, it used to fly over my house often on final.
The very first 747's had the JT9D
And you're correct. It is used in the flight test program and houses instruments and sensors. It will be removed before the aircraft goes into service.
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