The U.S. Department of Defense has entered into a significant agreement with Lockheed Martin, contracting the company to provide maintenance and logistics support for the U.S. Air Force’s fleet of C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft. This contract, valued at $56 million, is tied to a broader effort to modernize the avionics systems of these critical military transport planes, enhancing their operational readiness.
The avionics modernization project is crucial for maintaining the strategic capabilities of the Air Mobility Command and the Air Force Reserve Command. These units play vital roles in supporting various high-stakes missions, including air-to-air refueling, airlift operations, humanitarian assistance, and international transport duties.
The logistics and maintenance work will be coordinated through the Air Force’s C-5 Galaxy contracting office located at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. Lockheed Martin is expected to complete this contract by May 2026, signifying a commitment to sustain the C-5M Super Galaxy’s operational excellence.
The C-5M Super Galaxy stands out as the largest aircraft in the U.S. Air Force’s inventory. Currently, 52 of these aircraft, in different configurations, are operational from bases in California, Delaware, Massachusetts, and Texas. The C-5M measures 247 feet (75 meters) in length and features a wingspan of 223 feet (68 meters), typically operated by a crew of seven.
Equipped to handle substantial loads, each C-5M can transport up to 36 standardized 463L master pallets or approximately 281,000 pounds (127,459 kilograms) of cargo. The aircraft is powered by four General Electric F138-100 turbofan engines and is fitted with a massive 51,150-gallon (193,624-liter) fuel tank.
In terms of performance, the C-5M travels at a cruising speed of Mach 0.79 (around 606 miles or 975 kilometers per hour) and boasts an impressive operational range of 7,000 nautical miles (which equals about 8,055 miles or 12,964 kilometers) while flying at altitudes of up to 41,000 feet (12,497 meters).
The C-5M continues to play an essential role in supporting the U.S. military’s strategic operations, showcasing its versatility and capacity to fulfill a range of logistical needs.
