Lockheed Martin, MARIETTA: Lockheed Martin showcased the first C-5M Super Galaxy transport aircraft today in a ceremony marking the completion of the first of 111 aircraft to be modernized by the company. The massive cargo aircraft has been the workhorse for the U.S. Air Force's global reach capability for nearly 40 years and with new engines and avionics is designed to provide strategic airlift capability for America into the future.
“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. Over the next 40 years, the U.S. Air Force estimates this next generation C-5 will save over 20 billion dollars 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.”
“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.”
Modernized C-5s are structurally, operationally, and economically viable through the next several decades. “The C-5M is a national asset with capabilities unmatched by other aircraft,” said George Shultz, vice president of Lockheed Martin C-5 Programs.
The C-5M includes the new commercially proven CF6 General Electric engine. This engine delivers a 22 percent increase in thrust, a 30 percent shorter take-off roll, 38 percent higher climb to initial altitude and will allow significantly more cargo to be carried over longer distances. The C-5 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) adds a modern cockpit with a digital all-weather flight control system and autopilot, a new communications suite, flat panel displays, and enhanced navigation and safety equipment to ease crew workload and enhance situational awareness.
“More than 70 other 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,” said 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.”
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.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 135,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2005 sales of $37.2 billion.
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