ASC program keeps heavy-lifters in the air for decades

  • Published
  • By Daryl Mayer
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  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.