Create a free starter account, or log in.

Get access to four free articles per month, as well as our Decisive Edge Newsletters and Daily News Bulletin.

Email Address

Password

Forgot your password? Reset by clicking here

Create a Password

[[ req.met ? '✓' : '•' ]] [[ req.text ]]

Re-enter Password

Passwords do not match

First Name

Last Name

Country

Confirm your account

Please enter the four-digit pin below that has been emailed to you.

Didn't receive the pin yet?

This pin expires in 20 minutes.

[[ error ]]

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Stay informed with Shephard's award-winning journalism. Unlock unlimited access and in-depth analysis with a corporate or individual subscription.

Explore your options here

Analysis: Is the C-5 Galaxy in it for the long-haul?

23rd December 2024 - 11:50 GMT | by Edward Hunt

RSS

The US Air Force currently operates 52 upgraded C-5Ms. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)

What are the realistic options for replacing or replicating the C-5’s unique capability when it finally reaches its end of life?

With the C-5 Galaxy as the US Air Force’s (USAF) – and the West’s – only strategic airlifter, Lockheed Martin’s C-5 Galaxy is the de-facto largest military transport aircraft in operational service. As its sole user, the USAF has 52 of the upgraded ‘M’-model plus a smaller number of older stored C-5Bs that could in theory be modernised.

The Galaxy represents the core of the USAF’s strategic airlift capability under Air Mobility Command (AMC), this being defined roughly as aircraft able to carry oversized payloads over transcontinental distances. In this it is supported by the smaller C-17 Globemaster and at

Already have an account? Log in