Thu, Apr 30, 2009
C-5 Upgrades Making Great Progress
The 50th C-5 Galaxy strategic airlifter upgraded with Avionics
Modernization Program (AMP) improvements is airborne. AMP is the
first part of the two-phase C-5 modernization program (AMP Cockpit
shown below). The aircraft, delivered to Air Force Reserve
Command's 433rd Airlift Wing at Lackland AFB, Texas, is now
equipped with a state-of-the-art glass cockpit with modern avionics
and flight instruments.
"This delivery brings the Air Force one step closer to realizing
the full capability of an upgraded and more efficient C-5 fleet,"
said Lorraine Martin, Lockheed Martin C-5 program vice president.
"We're currently running two very successful AMP production lines.
This effort, along with the upcoming second phase of the C-5
modernization program, will ensure the Air Force has a C-5 fleet
that will be highly effective for the next 40 years."
The AMP installations are taking place at Dover AFB, Del., and
at Travis AFB, Calif. The fleet-wide AMP modifications are
scheduled to be completed in the second quarter of 2014. A total of
111 C-5s are scheduled to be modified with AMP upgrades.
The AMP upgrades replace the analog cockpit instruments and
systems in the C-5 (shown below) with digital displays and
equipment. This modernization phase also provides the necessary
communications and navigational avionics to comply with Global Air
Traffic Management (GATM) requirements, the new set of
international standards for aircraft movement and reduced
separation in flight.
The second phase of the C-5 modernization effort is the
Reliability Enhancement and Re-Engining Program (RERP). RERP
includes 70 enhancements or replacements of major components and
subsystems, including the installation of GE CF6-80C2 commercial
engines. Fifty-two of the 111 airplanes receiving the AMP upgrades
are currently scheduled to receive the RERP upgrades. When one of
the giant transport aircraft receives both the AMP and RERP
modifications, it receives the C-5M Super Galaxy designation. Three
aircraft (two former B-models and one former A-model) were used as
the C-5M test fleet. All three of the C-5M aircraft have been
delivered back to the U.S. Air Force.
The C-5 has been the backbone of strategic airlift in every
military and humanitarian engagement since it entered service. It
is the only aircraft capable of carrying 100 percent of certified
military air-transportable cargo with a dedicated passenger
compartment enabling commanders to have troops and their equipment
arrive simultaneously in an area of operation. The C-5 can carry
twice the cargo of other strategic airlift systems, and the C-5M
Super Galaxy will be a force multiplier through 2040. Modernization
of the C-5 pays for itself through savings in operation and
sustainment costs.
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