Lockheed Martin delivered its 15th C-5M Super Galaxy to the U.S. Air Force from its facilities here today.
Air Force crews flew the Super Galaxy to Dover Air Force Base, Del. It is the third C-5M delivery in less than a month and the fifth for 2013.
The Super Galaxy is the standard for strategic airlift and exceeds a mission capable rate of 80 percent.
I caught this transfer on my Mode-S box on the 13th. The aircraft details follow:
AE0581 87-0036 2013-12-13 19:55:11 C-5M USAF | 436AW | 9AS [KDOV]
Showing posts with label C-5M. Show all posts
Showing posts with label C-5M. Show all posts
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Friday, October 21, 2011
New airlift routes provide new possibilities
by 1st Lt. Marshel Slater, 618th Air and Space Operations Center (Tanker Airlift Control Center) Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFNS) -- Planners here teamed with planners from the U.S. Transportation Command and the aircrew of a C-5M Super Galaxy Sept. 25 and 26 to open a new nonstop route from the U.S. to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.
The aircrew members and aircraft originated from the 436th Airlift Wing at Dover Air Force Base, Del.
The flight marked the first time a C-5 has flown this route from the United States East Coast, across the Atlantic Ocean, then over Europe into Afghanistan, officials said. The total flight time was less than 14 hours, cutting time off of traditional routing and eliminating the need for crews to rest overnight in Germany. The new route also enhances the ability of air mobility forces to respond worldwide despite challenging environments including volcanoes, floods, natural disasters or weather-related diversions.
"This was a huge collaborative effort," said Harold Guckin, the chief planner for the Contingency Channel Operations Directorate here. "My schedulers worked closely with flight managers from the command and control directorate, and we all worked tirelessly with the operations group at Dover (AFB) to get the mission planned."
The success of the flight also required in-flight refueling over England by a KC-135R Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England.
With its ability to carry more than any other aircraft, the C-5 has been an aviation workhorse for the Air Force since the 1970s and is critical to the success of global mobility operations, officials said. The new route not only showcased the capabilities of the airframe, but also supported ongoing Department of Defense efficiency initiatives by providing both an increase in airlift velocity and a reduced mobility footprint.
According to officials here, planners at the 618th AOC (TACC) are constantly looking for innovative solutions that allow the mobility Air Force to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to them by the American taxpayer.
"The 618th AOC (TACC) is the hub for mobility operations, said Brig. Gen. Dewey Everhart, the 618th AOC (TACC) commander. "It is our responsibility to ensure that those we serve can succeed in their mission. This new route provides invaluable options and increased flexibility, so air mobility assets can arrive where they're needed faster and more efficiently."
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFNS) -- Planners here teamed with planners from the U.S. Transportation Command and the aircrew of a C-5M Super Galaxy Sept. 25 and 26 to open a new nonstop route from the U.S. to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.
The aircrew members and aircraft originated from the 436th Airlift Wing at Dover Air Force Base, Del.
The flight marked the first time a C-5 has flown this route from the United States East Coast, across the Atlantic Ocean, then over Europe into Afghanistan, officials said. The total flight time was less than 14 hours, cutting time off of traditional routing and eliminating the need for crews to rest overnight in Germany. The new route also enhances the ability of air mobility forces to respond worldwide despite challenging environments including volcanoes, floods, natural disasters or weather-related diversions.
"This was a huge collaborative effort," said Harold Guckin, the chief planner for the Contingency Channel Operations Directorate here. "My schedulers worked closely with flight managers from the command and control directorate, and we all worked tirelessly with the operations group at Dover (AFB) to get the mission planned."
The success of the flight also required in-flight refueling over England by a KC-135R Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England.
With its ability to carry more than any other aircraft, the C-5 has been an aviation workhorse for the Air Force since the 1970s and is critical to the success of global mobility operations, officials said. The new route not only showcased the capabilities of the airframe, but also supported ongoing Department of Defense efficiency initiatives by providing both an increase in airlift velocity and a reduced mobility footprint.
According to officials here, planners at the 618th AOC (TACC) are constantly looking for innovative solutions that allow the mobility Air Force to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to them by the American taxpayer.
"The 618th AOC (TACC) is the hub for mobility operations, said Brig. Gen. Dewey Everhart, the 618th AOC (TACC) commander. "It is our responsibility to ensure that those we serve can succeed in their mission. This new route provides invaluable options and increased flexibility, so air mobility assets can arrive where they're needed faster and more efficiently."
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Mobility Airmen take C-5M on first direct Arctic overflight to Afghanistan
by Master Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol, Air Mobility Command Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- Fourteen mobility Airmen teamed together to fly a C-5M Super Galaxy on a direct, non-stop mission from Dover Air Force Base, Del., here June 5 and 6, 2011.
The flight was the first time a U.S. Air Force plane flew this northern route from the U.S., over Canada and into the Arctic Circle, then back down through Russian and Kazakhstan airspace to Afghanistan.
"Everyone involved with this mission worked very hard to make it happen," said Lt. Col. Thomas Loper, the pilot and aircraft commander for the mission. "We're also very proud to be a part of the historic mission."
U.S. Transportation Command and Air Mobility Command officials at Scott AFB, Ill., said the mission was a "proof-of-concept" flight that will help establish future sustainment operations in Afghanistan.
"Our mission is to provide the right effects, to the right place, at the right time through global reach, said Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr., AMC commander. "This historic proof-of-concept flight is the embodiment of that mission. It provides a valuable new option that allows us to be effective to those we serve."
AMC's 618 Tanker Airlift Control Center planners at Scott AFB tasked and built the mission plans for the effort. It's part of TACC's continuing effort to support and control airlift and air refueling missions around the globe.
"This mission validates all the hard work TACC planners do every day,"
said Lt. Col. Matthew Ahern, a C-5 pilot with Dover AFB's 9th Airlift Squadron. Colonel Ahern was also a member of the aircrew for the mission.
AMC officials said the flight was a culmination of months of diplomatic efforts and operational planning, and further illustrates the military's commitment to finding innovative new ways to operate with increasingly constrained resources.
Maj. John Rozsnyai, a planner in USTRANSCOM operations at Scott AFB, said his command worked with the U.S. State Department, regional combatant commands, AMC, TACC and numerous other agencies to get this historic mission under way.
"This partnership was especially important in coordinating transit agreements with Russia and Kazakhstan," Major Rozsnyai said, "While civilian airlines have been using the airspace, this was the first time an AMC plane took this direct delivery route."
To make the entire 15-plus hour flight to Afghanistan, the C-5M was refueled by a KC-135R Stratotanker from the New Hampshire Air National Guard 157th Air Refueling Wing at Pease Air National Guard Base. The refueling took place over northern Canada.
"It's cool to be a part of a mission like this," said Master Sgt. Sam Blackwell, an in-flight refueling craftsman from the 157th ARW, who refueled the C-5M to full capacity.
USTRANSCOM planners said this flight is just the beginning of understanding new ways to strengthen the northern corridor.
"There will most likely be other flights that will originate from the western U.S. and won't require the use of tankers," Major Rozsnyai said.
"This route used by the C-5M may also be useful for swap-outs of deployed tankers and crews and for redeploying troops. The benefit might also allow for quicker trips saving days at home for deploying Airmen as well as requiring less stops for aircraft."
The aircrew for the mission combined active-duty and Reserve Airmen.
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- Fourteen mobility Airmen teamed together to fly a C-5M Super Galaxy on a direct, non-stop mission from Dover Air Force Base, Del., here June 5 and 6, 2011.
The flight was the first time a U.S. Air Force plane flew this northern route from the U.S., over Canada and into the Arctic Circle, then back down through Russian and Kazakhstan airspace to Afghanistan.
"Everyone involved with this mission worked very hard to make it happen," said Lt. Col. Thomas Loper, the pilot and aircraft commander for the mission. "We're also very proud to be a part of the historic mission."
U.S. Transportation Command and Air Mobility Command officials at Scott AFB, Ill., said the mission was a "proof-of-concept" flight that will help establish future sustainment operations in Afghanistan.
"Our mission is to provide the right effects, to the right place, at the right time through global reach, said Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr., AMC commander. "This historic proof-of-concept flight is the embodiment of that mission. It provides a valuable new option that allows us to be effective to those we serve."
AMC's 618 Tanker Airlift Control Center planners at Scott AFB tasked and built the mission plans for the effort. It's part of TACC's continuing effort to support and control airlift and air refueling missions around the globe.
"This mission validates all the hard work TACC planners do every day,"
said Lt. Col. Matthew Ahern, a C-5 pilot with Dover AFB's 9th Airlift Squadron. Colonel Ahern was also a member of the aircrew for the mission.
AMC officials said the flight was a culmination of months of diplomatic efforts and operational planning, and further illustrates the military's commitment to finding innovative new ways to operate with increasingly constrained resources.
Maj. John Rozsnyai, a planner in USTRANSCOM operations at Scott AFB, said his command worked with the U.S. State Department, regional combatant commands, AMC, TACC and numerous other agencies to get this historic mission under way.
"This partnership was especially important in coordinating transit agreements with Russia and Kazakhstan," Major Rozsnyai said, "While civilian airlines have been using the airspace, this was the first time an AMC plane took this direct delivery route."
To make the entire 15-plus hour flight to Afghanistan, the C-5M was refueled by a KC-135R Stratotanker from the New Hampshire Air National Guard 157th Air Refueling Wing at Pease Air National Guard Base. The refueling took place over northern Canada.
"It's cool to be a part of a mission like this," said Master Sgt. Sam Blackwell, an in-flight refueling craftsman from the 157th ARW, who refueled the C-5M to full capacity.
USTRANSCOM planners said this flight is just the beginning of understanding new ways to strengthen the northern corridor.
"There will most likely be other flights that will originate from the western U.S. and won't require the use of tankers," Major Rozsnyai said.
"This route used by the C-5M may also be useful for swap-outs of deployed tankers and crews and for redeploying troops. The benefit might also allow for quicker trips saving days at home for deploying Airmen as well as requiring less stops for aircraft."
The aircrew for the mission combined active-duty and Reserve Airmen.
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
Dover Airmen support Operation Odyssey Dawn
by Staff Sgt. Danella Shea, 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (AFNS) -- Three C-5M Super Galaxy aircrews from here delivered cargo March 23 to 27 in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn.
The Air Force Reserve's 709th Airlift Squadron and the active-duty 9th AS here worked together to deliver 387,000 pounds of cargo.
On March 18, the secretary of defense approved and ordered the use of military forces against the government of Libya.
According to Department of Defense officials, "coalition forces are striking targets that pose a direct threat to the civilian population. The targets, such as Libyan military sites and air defense systems, were carefully chosen to reduce enemy capability while minimizing risk to the civilian population."
In order for the strike operations implementing the no-fly zone to continue, however, the 'bullets' have to make it to the fight, and that is where the C-5M delivers.
"Higher headquarters is starting to realize that if you have a high-priority, 'no fail' mission, with a large amount of cargo, you give it to the C-5M because of the reliability of the airplane," said Col. David Hafer, the 436th Operations Group commander. "(Higher headquarters officials) come to Dover because when the system has a short-notice, high-priority mission, they also know that we are going to generate the crew, generate the airplane, load the cargo on the East Coast and get the goods to the fight faster."
The C-5M is designed to move 100 percent of outsized cargo for any of the services, anywhere in the world.
"That's what the airframe is here for, to support the Air Force, the Army, the Navy, all the different branches and units," said Lt. Col. Michael Semo, a 709th AS pilot and C-5M program chief.
When the C-5M gets back to Dover Air Force Base from carrying out the mission, there is about a four to five hour window where aerial port is loading more cargo, maintenance is working any issues and we are switching out crews before heading back out, said Capt. Matt Matis, a 9th Airlift Squadron pilot and aircraft commander on one of the missions.
"These are very rapid-fire missions," he said.
"It's not just the U.S. supporting this no-fly zone and other operations in Libya; it's us doing our part with Dover's airlift aircraft to support this international operation, and they need this stuff right now," Hafer said. "We understood as a crew -- loadmasters, flight engineers and pilots -- that the airplane needed to come back to Dover, so we could do it all over again."
Beginning March 23, an aircrew from the 709th AS flew direct to Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, from Dover AFB, with 160,000 pounds of cargo.
"This was a high-priority, short-notice mission to replace the Tomahawks that were released during the first days of military action in Libya," Semo said. "The C-5M is the only aircraft that could make the trip with that weight without air refueling."
Upon the crew's return March 25, the aircraft was only on the ground for a few hours before being deployed on yet another 'high-priority' mission, this time to Aviano Air Base, Italy.
"It's pretty awesome to see this happening," said Chief Master Sgt. Larry Williams, the 436th OG superintendent and a flight engineer on one of the missions. "We left on Friday, delivered our 155,000 pounds of cargo, de-positioned the plane to a base in Germany to free up space in Aviano and returned back to Dover on Sunday. We spent our weekend supporting this effort and came back to work today as if we were never gone."
By using the C-5M to deliver direct, the aircrews were able to transport more cargo faster without refueling in-flight, freeing up tanker assets to support other operations.
"A lot of times when you are looking at heavy airlift, you have to either compromise cargo weight for fuel weight or fuel weight for cargo weight," Hafer said. "The C-5M allows the system to plan a mission taking a whole lot of cargo and a whole lot of fuel, so we can take it farther into the area of responsibility without tanker support. And, we can do it more reliably."
Hafer called the mission one of the top three most rewarding missions he has flown in his career, and he has been flying the airplane for 20 years.
"We are excited that we get to fly a piece of equipment that our nation's leaders can count on to get the missions done," he added.
As of now, Dover AFB has four C-5M aircraft, all of which are involved in the support of the international crisis in Libya.
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (AFNS) -- Three C-5M Super Galaxy aircrews from here delivered cargo March 23 to 27 in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn.
The Air Force Reserve's 709th Airlift Squadron and the active-duty 9th AS here worked together to deliver 387,000 pounds of cargo.
On March 18, the secretary of defense approved and ordered the use of military forces against the government of Libya.
According to Department of Defense officials, "coalition forces are striking targets that pose a direct threat to the civilian population. The targets, such as Libyan military sites and air defense systems, were carefully chosen to reduce enemy capability while minimizing risk to the civilian population."
In order for the strike operations implementing the no-fly zone to continue, however, the 'bullets' have to make it to the fight, and that is where the C-5M delivers.
"Higher headquarters is starting to realize that if you have a high-priority, 'no fail' mission, with a large amount of cargo, you give it to the C-5M because of the reliability of the airplane," said Col. David Hafer, the 436th Operations Group commander. "(Higher headquarters officials) come to Dover because when the system has a short-notice, high-priority mission, they also know that we are going to generate the crew, generate the airplane, load the cargo on the East Coast and get the goods to the fight faster."
The C-5M is designed to move 100 percent of outsized cargo for any of the services, anywhere in the world.
"That's what the airframe is here for, to support the Air Force, the Army, the Navy, all the different branches and units," said Lt. Col. Michael Semo, a 709th AS pilot and C-5M program chief.
When the C-5M gets back to Dover Air Force Base from carrying out the mission, there is about a four to five hour window where aerial port is loading more cargo, maintenance is working any issues and we are switching out crews before heading back out, said Capt. Matt Matis, a 9th Airlift Squadron pilot and aircraft commander on one of the missions.
"These are very rapid-fire missions," he said.
"It's not just the U.S. supporting this no-fly zone and other operations in Libya; it's us doing our part with Dover's airlift aircraft to support this international operation, and they need this stuff right now," Hafer said. "We understood as a crew -- loadmasters, flight engineers and pilots -- that the airplane needed to come back to Dover, so we could do it all over again."
Beginning March 23, an aircrew from the 709th AS flew direct to Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, from Dover AFB, with 160,000 pounds of cargo.
"This was a high-priority, short-notice mission to replace the Tomahawks that were released during the first days of military action in Libya," Semo said. "The C-5M is the only aircraft that could make the trip with that weight without air refueling."
Upon the crew's return March 25, the aircraft was only on the ground for a few hours before being deployed on yet another 'high-priority' mission, this time to Aviano Air Base, Italy.
"It's pretty awesome to see this happening," said Chief Master Sgt. Larry Williams, the 436th OG superintendent and a flight engineer on one of the missions. "We left on Friday, delivered our 155,000 pounds of cargo, de-positioned the plane to a base in Germany to free up space in Aviano and returned back to Dover on Sunday. We spent our weekend supporting this effort and came back to work today as if we were never gone."
By using the C-5M to deliver direct, the aircrews were able to transport more cargo faster without refueling in-flight, freeing up tanker assets to support other operations.
"A lot of times when you are looking at heavy airlift, you have to either compromise cargo weight for fuel weight or fuel weight for cargo weight," Hafer said. "The C-5M allows the system to plan a mission taking a whole lot of cargo and a whole lot of fuel, so we can take it farther into the area of responsibility without tanker support. And, we can do it more reliably."
Hafer called the mission one of the top three most rewarding missions he has flown in his career, and he has been flying the airplane for 20 years.
"We are excited that we get to fly a piece of equipment that our nation's leaders can count on to get the missions done," he added.
As of now, Dover AFB has four C-5M aircraft, all of which are involved in the support of the international crisis in Libya.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Dover Airmen fly first C-5M to Iraq
by Staff Sgt. Chad Padgett, 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (AFNS) -- A Dover Air Force Base C-5M Super Galaxy aircrew delivering over 85,000 pounds of equipment for troops supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and was the first C-5M to land in Iraq in late January.
Dover AFB officials have three C-5M aircraft that have completed the operational testing phase and are about to enter the conversion phase.
"It's satisfying to get the aircraft into the fight delivering much needed supplies to the troops in the field," said Lt. Col. Mike Semo, the 709th Airlift Squadron pilot and C-5M Program Office chief.
The aircraft not only delivered the cargo on short notice, but also was able to arrive back to base ahead of schedule.
"Everyone in the C-5 community, including our crew, is very aware of past, present and future C-5M operations," said Capt. Nicholas Cobb, a 9th Airlift Squadron C-5M evaluator pilot. "When the 9th AS was tasked with this Operation Iraqi Freedom channel mission on Jan. 18, we knew this would be the first C-5M mission to actually land in Iraq. The entire crew was extremely excited and proud of this first-time accomplishment. Not only did we successfully accomplish the mission, but also we were four for four with on-time takeoffs, demonstrating the improved reliability of the C-5M. We arrived at Dover almost 1.5 hours earlier than originally scheduled by the (618th) Tanker Airlift Control Center."
Once the aircraft has been approved for direct delivery capability, Dover AFB aircrews will be able to fly cargo directly to Iraq without stopping to refuel.
"We've tested the ability to fly this aircraft directly to the Middle East with 33 direct flights to Incirlik, Turkey and returning direct Dover," Colonel Semo said. "Now that it's been tested and proven, the only requirement is the final approval to be able to accomplish direct flights. This will allow us to develop a wider range of strategic abilities around the C-5M aircraft and will significantly decrease the time the aircraft spends on the ground. In some cases, this will save us over a day in travel time."
After setting 41 world records with the C-5M, being the first to fly the aircraft into Iraq, the Dover AFB aircrew is already looking toward the next first, using the aircraft to fly supplies to Airmen in Afghanistan.
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Dover C-5Ms complete test in surge operations
by Maj. Ronald L. Betts
436th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintenance operations officer
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (AFNS) -- The C-5M Super Galaxy team has completed another stage of operational test and evaluation with the conclusion of surge operations at Dover AFB. The surge operations consisted of 31 days of delivering essential cargo and flying sorties nonstop, from Dover AFB to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, without refueling to test wartime contingency operations.
"Our maintainers spent the last 12 months training for this big game. Not only are they hitting a home run with regards to operational test and evaluation, but they hit a grand slam during the surge. The C-5M is a strategic airlift revolution -- proven by successful completion of the Dover to Incirlik surge," said Maj. Stephanie Halcrow, the 436th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, who had the responsibility for preparing the C-5M aircraft and personnel for operational test and evaluation.
During the surge period, the C-5M flew 34 sorties and moved 3.8 million pounds of cargo while saving time and fuel. Traditional C-5B Galaxy sorties include fuel stops at Rota Naval Air Station, Spain, which the C-5M bypassed as part of the operational test and evaluation. This direct flight to Incirlik AB saved more than 365 hours, 289 of those on the ground, and approximately 1.3 million pounds of fuel.
"The new engines have significantly increased the C-5M's capabilities," said Lt. Col. Mike Semo, theC-5M Dover program officer. "With the nonstop flights to Incirlik, Turkey, we delivered more cargo in less time to the warfighter. The direct delivery capability to the Central Command AOR without utilizing scarce air refueling assets provides a unique capability available to the DOD leadership."
With the completion of surge operations a significant milestone has been achieved in the operational test and evaluation, with two additional goals still to meet. The first will take place at Eielson AFB, Alaska, in December. While there, the C-5M maintenance team must demonstrate the removal and replacement of the C-5M engine in the extreme cold of Alaska, with temperatures forecasted to be about 30 degrees below zero.
Finally, the C-5M must have a total of 1,300 flying hours, which means the C-5M team has to accomplish less than 400 more flying hours to reach this mark.
Estimates place the completion of operational test and evaluation sometime in January 2010. Once completed, the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, the agency with oversight of the C-5M operational test and evaluation here, will present a report to Congress regarding the tests conducted at Dover AFB.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Lockheed Martin Delivers Third C-5M Super Galaxy to the USAF
Blog Note; One of our regular reporters caught USAF 160013 (86-0013) ALE address on the Scope Command network (9025 kHz) yesterday. This was probably the aircraft mentioned in the story below. Thanks to Ron Perron for passing that along and MNP reporter Jack NeSmith for the 3rd C-5M rollout story.
Lockheed Martin today delivered the third fully modernized C-5M Super Galaxy to the U.S. Air Force. Following a small send-off at the company's Marietta facility, the
C-5M flew to Dover AFB, Del.
"This delivery is yet another success in the C-5 modernization program," said Lorraine Martin, Lockheed Martin C-5 program vice president. "I'm confident the Air Force will be as impressed with the improved performance, reliability and capability of the Super Galaxy as we were during flight test."
This was the second C-5M to be delivered to Dover this month, and was the third and final aircraft delivered during the System Design and Development phase of the program. The C-5M program will enter production this summer. Induction of the first aircraft is planned for August.
The C-5M Super Galaxy climbs higher and faster than its legacy counterparts while carrying more cargo over longer distances. It also requires less tanker support and is projected to have a much higher mission availability rate due to increased reliability. Current Air Force plans call for Lockheed Martin to deliver 52 fully modernized C-5Ms by 2016.
The C-5M is the product of a two-phase modernization effort. The first, the ongoing Avionics Modernization Program (AMP), provides a state-of-the-art glass cockpit with modern avionics and flight instruments that meet future Communication, Navigation, Surveillance and Air Traffic Management requirements. AMP kit installations have now been completed on more than 40 C-5Bs. Lockheed Martin is under contract to perform AMP modifications on 111 C-5 aircraft.
The Reliability Enhancement and Re-Engining Program (RERP) is the second phase of the C-5 modernization effort. It includes 70 enhancements or replacements of major components and subsystems, including the installation of GE CF6-80C2 commercial engines. Modernization of the C-5 pays for itself through savings in operation and sustainment costs.
The C-5 has been the backbone of strategic airlift in every engagement since it entered service. It is the only aircraft capable of carrying 100 percent of certified air-transportable cargo, with a dedicated passenger compartment
enabling commanders to have troops and their equipment arrive in an area of
operation simultaneously. The C-5 can carry twice the cargo of other strategic airlift systems. With more than 70 percent of its structural service life remaining, the C-5M Super Galaxy will be a force multiplier through 2040.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Spirit of Global Reach lands at Dover
by Staff Sgt. Chad Padgett, 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Team Dover's first C-5M Super Galaxy, the Spirit of Global Reach, lands at Dover Air Force Base, Del., Feb. 9. Gen. Arthur Lichte, Air Mobility Command commander, was the delivery official. (U.S. Air Force photo/Jason Minto)
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (AFNS) -- The Spirit of Global Reach arrived at Dover Air Force Base Feb. 9, putting itself in the history books as Team Dover's first C-5M Super Galaxy.
The Spirit of Global Reach is the first of three C-5Ms Dover will receive for operational testing and evaluation.
"Today we see the fruits of a long-term effort by thousands of personnel to develop an airlifter with greater strategic capability than any of its predecessors," said Col. Manson Morris, 436th Airlift Wing commander. "Dover Air Force Base is now home to a highly skilled total force cadre of professionals who will write the first chapter in the operational history of the super galaxy. We will have an essential role in applying this aircraft during a rigorous period of operational test and evaluation. Dover is privileged to be the lead Air Force base for this task."
The C-5M will provide new capabilities for the Air Force. The aircraft has state-of-the-art engines that produce more than 50,000 pounds of thrust, which allow it to carry 285,000 pounds of cargo.
"This aircraft is capable of a significantly shorter take offs than the previous aircraft," said Lt. Col. Mike Semo, 709th Airlift Squadron C-5M Program Office chief. "We are able to take more cargo, farther distances with greater reliability. They've also vastly improved to a glass cockpit which results in greater situational awareness for the pilots. There are upgrades to navigation, safety equipment, communications and a new autopilot system. This really is a modern aircraft for a modern Air Force."
"The new C-5M looks like the same airplane, but it is approximately 10 percent more reliable," said Lt. Col. Tom Loper, 436th Operations Group C-5M project integration office. "The C-5M addressed just about every system on the airplane to increase reliability. It looks the same but it has more thrust so it can climb higher, faster and carry more cargo."
Gen. Arthur Lichte, Air Mobility Command commander, delivered the Spirit of Global Reach to Dover.
"Today, we get to add a new all star to the Dover team lineup, the C-5M Super Galaxy," said General Lichte. "We're not closing the book on the C-5, we're simply starting a new chapter with the delivery of this wonderful aircraft, the C-5M Super Galaxy."
"All the men and women who have flown, maintained or supported the C-5 here at Dover have enhanced this wings legacy and carried the load with honor delivering hope to those in need all over the globe, and they have done that for over three decades with tremendous pride," said General Lichte.
And in a related story from AFMC:
ASC program keeps heavy-lifters in the air for decades
By Daryl Mayer, 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFMCNS) — When the first C-5M Super Galaxy touched down at Dover AFB, Del., on Feb. 9, it signaled the first success of a $7.7 billion acquisition program designed to keep the heavy-lift transport in the air until 2040.
Perhaps still young compared to other aircraft in the fleet, the C-5 has been hauling the heaviest of loads since the early 1970s. The Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson began the program, now managed by the 716th Aeronautical Systems Group, to upgrade the older aircraft in 2002.
"This is the only aircraft in the Air Force capable of transporting 100 percent of air-certified cargo. It gives the warfighter a capability he can't get with any other platform," said John Artuso, 716 AESG director.
Creating the new C-5M Super Galaxy is the product of a two-phase modification process. The Avionics Modernization Program installs a state-of-the-art digital cockpit that along with other capabilities has the necessary avionics to comply with current Global Air Traffic Management requirements.
The Re-engining and Reliability Program makes more than 70 improvements to the airframe and includes installing the new CF6-80C2 turbofan engines. Along with the 22 percent improvement in thrust, the Super Galaxy can take off on shorter runways, climb faster to altitude, boost fuel efficiency, and carry more cargo for longer distances--while also meeting international noise compliance levels.
"The upgrades that go into the Super Galaxy increase the operational capability by improving reliability, maintainability and availability," Mr. Artuso said. "The increased range minimizes the need for aerial refueling while cargo throughput is increased. At the same time, it is less expensive to maintain in terms of both time and money."
To date, three aircraft have received modifications at the Lockheed Martin facility in Marietta, Ga., and completed two Integrated Systems Evaluations. These tests put the Super Galaxy through its paces with Atlantic and Pacific crossings, including polar routes that circled the globe and demonstrated the first C-5M movement of operational cargo.
The "Spirit of Global Reach" delivered Feb. 9 will now go through a familiarization process with the 7 aircrews and nearly 100 maintainer currently trained on this platform, according to Mr. Artuso.
Sometime in late summer 2009, this aircraft will be joined by the "Spirit of Normandy" to begin the Operational Test and Evaluation process. Once this process is complete and full rate production is ordered, an additional 49 Super Galaxies will be delivered over the next 7 years.
"This is an important victory for Air Force acquisitions and for Air Force Materiel Command," Mr. Artuso said. "We couldn't have delivered this aircraft without the support of Lockheed Martin and the 730th Aircraft Sustainment Group at Robins AFB, Ga.
Team Dover's first C-5M Super Galaxy, the Spirit of Global Reach, lands at Dover Air Force Base, Del., Feb. 9. Gen. Arthur Lichte, Air Mobility Command commander, was the delivery official. (U.S. Air Force photo/Jason Minto)DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (AFNS) -- The Spirit of Global Reach arrived at Dover Air Force Base Feb. 9, putting itself in the history books as Team Dover's first C-5M Super Galaxy.
The Spirit of Global Reach is the first of three C-5Ms Dover will receive for operational testing and evaluation.
"Today we see the fruits of a long-term effort by thousands of personnel to develop an airlifter with greater strategic capability than any of its predecessors," said Col. Manson Morris, 436th Airlift Wing commander. "Dover Air Force Base is now home to a highly skilled total force cadre of professionals who will write the first chapter in the operational history of the super galaxy. We will have an essential role in applying this aircraft during a rigorous period of operational test and evaluation. Dover is privileged to be the lead Air Force base for this task."
The C-5M will provide new capabilities for the Air Force. The aircraft has state-of-the-art engines that produce more than 50,000 pounds of thrust, which allow it to carry 285,000 pounds of cargo.
"This aircraft is capable of a significantly shorter take offs than the previous aircraft," said Lt. Col. Mike Semo, 709th Airlift Squadron C-5M Program Office chief. "We are able to take more cargo, farther distances with greater reliability. They've also vastly improved to a glass cockpit which results in greater situational awareness for the pilots. There are upgrades to navigation, safety equipment, communications and a new autopilot system. This really is a modern aircraft for a modern Air Force."
"The new C-5M looks like the same airplane, but it is approximately 10 percent more reliable," said Lt. Col. Tom Loper, 436th Operations Group C-5M project integration office. "The C-5M addressed just about every system on the airplane to increase reliability. It looks the same but it has more thrust so it can climb higher, faster and carry more cargo."
Gen. Arthur Lichte, Air Mobility Command commander, delivered the Spirit of Global Reach to Dover.
"Today, we get to add a new all star to the Dover team lineup, the C-5M Super Galaxy," said General Lichte. "We're not closing the book on the C-5, we're simply starting a new chapter with the delivery of this wonderful aircraft, the C-5M Super Galaxy."
"All the men and women who have flown, maintained or supported the C-5 here at Dover have enhanced this wings legacy and carried the load with honor delivering hope to those in need all over the globe, and they have done that for over three decades with tremendous pride," said General Lichte.
And in a related story from AFMC:
ASC program keeps heavy-lifters in the air for decades
By Daryl Mayer, 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFMCNS) — When the first C-5M Super Galaxy touched down at Dover AFB, Del., on Feb. 9, it signaled the first success of a $7.7 billion acquisition program designed to keep the heavy-lift transport in the air until 2040.
Perhaps still young compared to other aircraft in the fleet, the C-5 has been hauling the heaviest of loads since the early 1970s. The Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson began the program, now managed by the 716th Aeronautical Systems Group, to upgrade the older aircraft in 2002.
"This is the only aircraft in the Air Force capable of transporting 100 percent of air-certified cargo. It gives the warfighter a capability he can't get with any other platform," said John Artuso, 716 AESG director.
Creating the new C-5M Super Galaxy is the product of a two-phase modification process. The Avionics Modernization Program installs a state-of-the-art digital cockpit that along with other capabilities has the necessary avionics to comply with current Global Air Traffic Management requirements.
The Re-engining and Reliability Program makes more than 70 improvements to the airframe and includes installing the new CF6-80C2 turbofan engines. Along with the 22 percent improvement in thrust, the Super Galaxy can take off on shorter runways, climb faster to altitude, boost fuel efficiency, and carry more cargo for longer distances--while also meeting international noise compliance levels.
"The upgrades that go into the Super Galaxy increase the operational capability by improving reliability, maintainability and availability," Mr. Artuso said. "The increased range minimizes the need for aerial refueling while cargo throughput is increased. At the same time, it is less expensive to maintain in terms of both time and money."
To date, three aircraft have received modifications at the Lockheed Martin facility in Marietta, Ga., and completed two Integrated Systems Evaluations. These tests put the Super Galaxy through its paces with Atlantic and Pacific crossings, including polar routes that circled the globe and demonstrated the first C-5M movement of operational cargo.
The "Spirit of Global Reach" delivered Feb. 9 will now go through a familiarization process with the 7 aircrews and nearly 100 maintainer currently trained on this platform, according to Mr. Artuso.
Sometime in late summer 2009, this aircraft will be joined by the "Spirit of Normandy" to begin the Operational Test and Evaluation process. Once this process is complete and full rate production is ordered, an additional 49 Super Galaxies will be delivered over the next 7 years.
"This is an important victory for Air Force acquisitions and for Air Force Materiel Command," Mr. Artuso said. "We couldn't have delivered this aircraft without the support of Lockheed Martin and the 730th Aircraft Sustainment Group at Robins AFB, Ga.
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