Editing Lockheed C-5 Galaxy (section)

==Operational history==
[[File:M1 Abrams loaded on a C-5 Galaxy.jpg|thumb|Loading an [[M1A1 Abrams]] tank onto a C-5 Galaxy]]
The first C-5A was delivered to the USAF on 17 December 1969. Wings were built up in the early 1970s at [[Altus Air Force Base|Altus AFB]], Oklahoma; [[Charleston Field|Charleston AFB]], South Carolina; [[Dover Air Force Base|Dover AFB]], Delaware; and [[Travis Air Force Base|Travis AFB]], California. The C-5's first mission was on 9 July 1970, in Southeast Asia during the [[Vietnam War]].<ref>Coughlin, William J. [https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/662769552.html?dids=662769552:662769552&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Jul+10%2C+1970&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=C-5A+in+First+S.+Viet+Flight&pqatl=google "C-5A in first S. Viet flight."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104084240/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/662769552.html?dids=662769552:662769552&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Jul+10,+1970&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=C-5A+in+First+S.+Viet+Flight&pqatl=google |date=4 November 2012}} ''Los Angeles Times'', 10 July 1970.</ref> C-5s were used to transport equipment and troops, including Army tanks and even some small aircraft, throughout the later years of the US action in Vietnam.<ref name="Norton_p43">Norton 2003, pp. 43–44.</ref> In the final weeks of the war, prior to the [[Fall of Saigon]], several C-5s were involved in evacuation efforts. During [[1975 Tân Sơn Nhứt C-5 accident|one such mission]], a C-5A crashed while transporting a large number of orphans, with over 140 killed.<ref name ='viet accid'/><ref name=babyliftrevisited/>

C-5s have also been used to deliver support and reinforce various US allies over the years. During the [[Yom Kippur War]] in 1973, multiple C-5s and C-141 Starlifters delivered critical supplies of ammunition, replacement weaponry and other forms of aid to Israel, the US effort was named as [[Operation Nickel Grass]].<ref name="Norton_p45">Norton 2003, pp. 45–46.</ref><ref>Dunstan 2007, pp. 56, 88.</ref> The C-5 Galaxy's performance in Israel was such that the Pentagon began to consider further purchases.<ref>[https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/643418162.html?dids=643418162:643418162&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Nov+09%2C+1973&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=C-5+Performance+in+Israel+May+Spur+Pentagon+to+Order+More&pqatl=google "C-5 Performance in Israel may spur Pentagon to order more."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104084256/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/643418162.html?dids=643418162:643418162&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Nov+09,+1973&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=C-5+Performance+in+Israel+May+Spur+Pentagon+to+Order+More&pqatl=google |date=4 November 2012}} ''Los Angeles Times'', 9 November 1973.</ref> The C-5 was regularly made available to support American allies, such as the British-led peacekeeper initiative in [[Zimbabwe]] in 1979.<ref>[https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/648649042.html?dids=648649042:648649042&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Dec+07%2C+1979&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=U.S.+Cargo+Jets+to+Play+Zimbabwe+Role&pqatl=google "U.S. Cargo Jets to play Zimbabwe role."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104084317/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/648649042.html?dids=648649042:648649042&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Dec+07,+1979&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=U.S.+Cargo+Jets+to+Play+Zimbabwe+Role&pqatl=google |date=4 November 2012}} ''Los Angeles Times'', 7 December 1979,</ref>

[[File:USAF MMIII C5 airdrop(Oct 1974).jpg|thumb|left|C-5A Minuteman Air Mobile ICBM Feasibility Demonstration – 24 October 1974]]
On 24 October 1974, the [[Space and Missile Systems Organization]] successfully conducted an [[air-launched ballistic missile]] test, where a C-5A Galaxy aircraft air dropped an {{convert|86000|lb|adj=on||}} [[LGM-30 Minuteman|Minuteman ICBM]] from {{convert|20000|ft|||}} over the Pacific Ocean. The missile descended to {{convert|8000|ft|||}} before its rocket engine fired. The 10-second engine burn carried the missile to {{convert|20000|ft|||}} again before it dropped into the ocean. The test proved the feasibility of launching an intercontinental ballistic missile from the air. Operational deployment was discarded due to engineering and security difficulties, though the capability was used as a negotiating point in the [[Strategic Arms Limitation Talks]].<ref>[http://www.af.mil/information/heritage/milestones.asp?dec=1970-1980&sd=01/01/1970&ed=12/31/1989 "Thursday, 01 January 1970 – Sunday, 31 December 1989."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018002131/http://www.af.mil/information/heritage/milestones.asp?dec=1970-1980&sd=01%2F01%2F1970&ed=12%2F31%2F1989 |date=18 October 2012}} ''U.S. Air Force, Inside the AF.MIL Heritage section.''</ref><ref>Marti and Sarigul-Klijn. "A Study of Air Launch Methods for RLVs. Doc No. AIAA 2001–4619." Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering Dept, University of California, Davis, California.</ref> Aircraft 69–0014, "Zero-One-Four" used in the test was retired to the [[Air Mobility Command Museum]] at [[Dover Air Force Base]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/09/travel/c5-galaxy-dover-museum-minuteman-missile/index.html|title=The 'radical' nuclear missile test that made history|first=Thom |last=Patterson|publisher=CNN|date=9 August 2013}}</ref>

[[File:Galaxy Antarctica.jpg|thumb|Personnel unload cargo from a C-5 Galaxy at [[Pegasus Field]], an ice runway near [[McMurdo Station]], [[Antarctica]], in 1989.]]
The C-5 has been used for several unusual functions. During the development of the secretive stealth aircraft, the [[Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk]], Galaxies were often used to carry partly disassembled aircraft, leaving no exterior signs as to their cargo.<ref>Jenkins 2001, p. 84.</ref> The C-5 remains the largest aircraft to operate in the Antarctic,<ref>Dole, Ronald D. [http://www.qsl.net/ka1efo/spole.htm "Six Months "On Ice": Living And Working At The Bottom Of The World."] ''KA1EFO ''. Retrieved 23 August 2011.</ref> capable of operating from [[Williams Field]] near [[McMurdo Station]].<ref>[https://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/news/02/pr0214.htm "Runway Project Clears the Way for Improved Antarctic Airlift."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111143210/https://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/news/02/pr0214.htm |date=11 January 2023 }} National Science Foundation, 20 February 2002. Retrieved 20 January 2007.</ref> The C-5 Galaxy was a major supply asset in the international coalition operations in 1990–91 against [[Iraq]] in the [[Gulf War]].<ref>Evans, David. [https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/28877430.html?dids=28877430:28877430&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Aug+24%2C+1990&author=David+Evans&pub=Chicago+Tribune+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=The+Gulf+airlift+has+moved+only+the+tip+of+the+spear&pqatl=google "The Gulf airlift has moved only the tip of the spear."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104084329/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/28877430.html?dids=28877430:28877430&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Aug+24,+1990&author=David+Evans&pub=Chicago+Tribune+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=The+Gulf+airlift+has+moved+only+the+tip+of+the+spear&pqatl=google |date=4 November 2012}} ''Chicago Tribune'', 24 August 1990.</ref><ref>Brenner, Elliot. [https://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=1XwhAAAAIBAJ&sjid=U4gFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1013,5314370&dq=c-5+cargo&hl=en "Massive airlift, sealift equals moving a town."] ''Daily Gazette'', 22 August 1990.</ref><ref>Chant 2001, p. 47.</ref> C-5s have routinely delivered relief aid and humanitarian supplies to areas afflicted with natural disasters or crisis; multiple flights were made over [[Rwanda]] in 1994.<ref>Plunkett, A.J. [https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/dailypress/access/85914755.html?dids=85914755:85914755&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Aug+04%2C+1994&author=A.J.+PLUNKETT+Daily+Press&pub=Daily+Press&desc=MORE+TROOPS+LEAVE+ON+RWANDAN+MISSION&pqatl=google "More troops leave on Rwandan mission."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104084340/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/dailypress/access/85914755.html?dids=85914755:85914755&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Aug+04,+1994&author=A.J.+PLUNKETT+Daily+Press&pub=Daily+Press&desc=MORE+TROOPS+LEAVE+ON+RWANDAN+MISSION&pqatl=google |date=4 November 2012}} ''Daily Press'', 4 August 1994.</ref> The C-5 is also used to transport [[Marine One]].<ref name=NatGeo_On_Board>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130126225131/http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/episodes/on-board-marine-one1/video/ "On Board Marine One, Presidential Fleet"]. National Geographic, 2009. Retrieved 5 September 2013.</ref>

The wings on the C-5As were replaced during the 1980s to restore full design capability.<ref name="Norton_p53"/> The USAF took delivery of the first C-5B on 28 December 1985 and the final one in April 1989.<ref name="Norton_p58">Norton 2003, p. 58.</ref> The reliability of the C-5 fleet has been a continued issue throughout its lifetime,<ref>Leary, William M. [https://web.archive.org/web/20010628045844/http://www.airpower.maxwell.af.mil/airchronicles/aureview/1986/sep-oct/leary.html "Strategic Airlift: Past, Present, and Future."] ''Air University Review'', September–October 1986.</ref><ref>Anderson, Brian H. [http://www.stormingmedia.us/02/0223/A022363.html "The Mobility Traid and Challenges for the Operational Commander."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208123339/http://www.stormingmedia.us/02/0223/A022363.html |date=8 December 2015}} ''Naval War College Newport'', 5 February 1999, p. 8.</ref> however the C-5M upgrade program seeks in part to address this issue.<ref name="afm_200401_stg"/> Their strategic airlift capacity has been a key logistical component of U.S. military operations in [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|Afghanistan]] and [[Iraq War|Iraq]]. Following an incident during [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]] where one C-5 was damaged by a projectile, the installation of defensive systems has become a stated priority.<ref>Government Accountability Office 2006, pp. 125–156.</ref>

===Upgrades to C-5M Super Galaxy<span class="anchor" id="C-5M"></span>===
[[File:C-5M Cockpit.jpg|thumb|New C-5 cockpit avionics, installed under the Avionics Modernization Program]]

Following a study showing that 80% of the C-5 airframe's service life was remaining,<ref name="AFviab">Jablonski, David A. [https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/136524/air-force-fleet-viability-board-releases-c-5a-assessment/ "Air Force Fleet Viability Board releases C-5A assessment"]. ''Air Force Print News'', 15 July 2004.</ref> [[Air Mobility Command]] (AMC) began an aggressive program to modernize all remaining C-5Bs and C-5Cs and many of the C-5As. The C-5 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) began in 1998 and includes upgrading the avionics to comply with [[Global Air Traffic Management]] standards, improving communications, fitting new flat-panel displays, improving navigation and safety equipment, and installing a new autopilot system. The first flight of a C-5 with AMP (85-0004) occurred on 21 December 2002.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060322013056/http://www.codeonemagazine.com/events/apr_03/apr03_events08.html "First Flight For AMP C-5"]. ''Code One Magazine'', April 2003.</ref>

The Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program (RERP) began in 2006. It includes fitting new [[GE-Aviation|General Electric]] [[General Electric CF6|F138-GE-100]] (CF6-80C2) engines, pylons and auxiliary power units, and upgrades to aircraft skin and frame, landing gear, cockpit and pressurization systems.<ref name="afm_200401_stg" /><ref name="HookerHoyle2006">{{cite journal |last1=Hooker |first1=John |last2=Hoyle |first2=David |last3=Bevis |first3=Dwayne |year=2006 |title=The Application of CFD for the Aerodynamic Development of the C-5M Galaxy |journal=44th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit |doi=10.2514/6.2006-856 |isbn=978-1-62410-039-0}}</ref> Each CF6 engine produces 22% more thrust ({{convert|50000|lbf|kN|abbr=on|disp=or}}),<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090327102718/http://www.lockheedmartin.com/data/assets/aeronautics/products/c5/A07-20536GC-5PC.pdf "C-5 modernization program"]. Lockheed Martin. Retrieved 21 January 2010.</ref> providing a 30% shorter takeoff, a 38% higher climb rate to initial altitude, an increased cargo load and a longer range.{{specify|date=June 2015}}<ref name="afm_200401_stg" /><ref name="lm_C-5M_extends">[http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/press-releases/2006/may/LOCKHEEDMARTINC5MSUPERGALAXYEXPANDS.html "Lockheed Martin C-5M 'Super Galaxy' Expands U.S. Air Force 'Global Reach' Capability at Lower Cost"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130103184336/http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/press-releases/2006/may/LOCKHEEDMARTINC5MSUPERGALAXYEXPANDS.html|date=3 January 2013}}. Lockheed Martin, 16 May 2006.</ref> Upgrades to all fifty C-5Bs and both C-5Cs were completed by August 2018.<ref name=":0" /> These aircraft are now designated ''C-5M Super Galaxy.''<ref name="afpn_20061120">[https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/129001/second-c-5m-super-galaxy-takes-flight/ "Second C-5M Super Galaxy takes flight"]. U.S. Air Force, 20 November 2006.</ref>

The C-5 AMP and RERP modernization programs plan to raise [[availability|mission-capable rate]] to a minimum goal of 75%.<ref name="afm_200401_stg" /> Over the next 40 years, the U.S. Air Force estimates the C-5M will save over $20&nbsp;billion.<ref name="strong">McGowan, Laura. [https://www.afmc.af.mil/news/story?storyID=123022249 "C-5 still going strong."]  ''US Air Force'', 21 June 2006.</ref> The first C-5M conversion was completed on 16 May 2006 and C-5Ms began test flights at [[Dobbins Air Reserve Base]] in June 2006.<ref name="strong" /> In 2008, the USAF decided to convert remaining C-5Bs and C-5Cs into C-5Ms with avionics upgrades and re-engining.<ref name="FG_part_re-engine">Warick, Graham. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/02/15/221590/pentagon-cancels-re-engining-of-usafs-older-lockheed.html "Pentagon cancels re-engining of USAF's older Lockheed C-5s."] ''FlightGlobal'', 15 February 2008.</ref> The C-5As will receive only the avionics upgrades.<ref name="FG_part_re-engine" /><ref>[https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/124337/air-force-c-5-galaxy-modernization-program-certified/ "Air Force C-5 Galaxy modernization program certified."] ''U.S. Air Force,'' 15 February 2008.</ref> The last of 52 C-5Ms was delivered to Air Mobility Command in August 2018.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.businessinsider.com/air-force-c-5m-super-galaxy-upgrade-done-will-stay-in-air-until-2040s-2018-8 |title = After 17 years of upgrades, the Air Force's biggest plane is ready to stay in the air for decades| website=[[Business Insider]] |date = 14 August 2018}}</ref>

[[File:C-5 Galaxy - 060505-F-0000J-002.jpg|thumb|A C-5 taking off from [[Robins AFB]]]]
In response to Air Force plans to retire older C-5 aircraft, Congress implemented legislation that set limits on retirement plans for C-5As in 2003.<ref>Weinberger, Sharon. [https://web.archive.org/web/20160529072408/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-111281311.html "Congress Moves To Limit C-5A Retirement."] ''Defense Daily'', 14 November 2003.</ref> As of November 2013, 45 C-5As have been retired, 11 have been scrapped, parts of one (A/C 66-8306) are now a cargo load trainer at Lackland AFB, Texas, and one was sent to the [[Warner Robins Air Logistics Center]] (WR-ALC) for tear down and inspection to evaluate structural integrity and estimate the remaining life for the fleet.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amarcexperience.com |title=AMARC Experience |website= AMARC Experience}}</ref>

The U.S. Air Force began to receive refitted C-5M aircraft in December 2008.<ref>Trimble, Stephen. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/12/11/320013/picture-lockheed-delivers-first-upgraded-c-5m-super.html "Lockheed delivers first upgraded C-5M Super Galaxy."] ''Flight International'', 11 December 2008.</ref> Full production of C-5Ms began in the summer of 2009.<ref>[https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=conewsstory&refer=conews&tkr=LMT%3AUS&sid=a80TQify8P3k "Lockheed Martin delivers third C-5M Super Galaxy to United States Air Force."] ''Bloomberg'', 27 February 2009.</ref> In 2009, the Congressional ban on the retirement of C-5s was overturned.<ref>Trimble, Stephen. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/09/11/332171/more-c-17-sales-possible-after-c-5a-retirement-ban-lifted.html "More C-17 sales possible after C-5A retirement ban lifted."] ''Flight International'', 11 September 2009.</ref> The Air Force seeks to retire one C-5A for every 10 new [[C-17 Globemaster III|C-17s]] ordered.<ref>Rolfsen, Bruce, [http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2010/01/airforce_aircraft_budget_011010w/ "C-5A swap for new C-17s has hitch."] ''Air Force Times'', 12 January 2010.</ref> In October 2011, the [[445th Airlift Wing]] based at [[Wright-Patterson Air Force Base]] replaced all remaining C-5s with C-17s.<ref>[https://www.445aw.afrc.af.mil/News/story/id/123274598/ "445th C-5 era comes to an end"]  ''445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs,'' 4 October 2011.</ref> The C-5M reached [[initial operating capability]] (IOC) on 24 February 2014 with 16 aircraft delivered.<ref>[http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2014/02/24/Upgraded-C-5M-Super-Galaxies-gain-IOC-designation/UPI-59271393272844/?spt=rln&or=2 Upgraded C-5M Super Galaxies gain IOC designation] – Upi.com, 24 February 2014.</ref>

On 13 September 2009, a C-5M set 41 new records and flight data was submitted to the [[National Aeronautic Association]] for formal recognition. The C-5M had carried a payload of {{convert|176610|lb|kg|abbr=on}} to over {{convert|41100|ft|m|abbr=on}} in 23 minutes, 59 seconds. Additionally, 33 time to climb records at various payload classes were set, and the world record for greatest payload to {{convert|2000|m|ft|abbr=on|order=flip|sigfig=4}} was broken. The aircraft was in the category of {{convert|250000|to|300000|kg|lb|abbr=on|order=flip|sigfig=4}} with a takeoff weight of {{convert|649680|lb|kg|abbr=on}} including payload, fuel, and other equipment.<ref>[http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/press-releases/2009/september/1LockheedMartinC-5MSuperG.html "Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy Sets World Aviation Records."] ''Lockheed Martin'', 15 September 2009.</ref>

On 18 July 2017, C-5s based at Dover were ordered to stand down so maintenance crews could determine the cause for some nose landing gear failing.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airforcetimes.com/articles/air-mobility-command-stands-down-c-5-flying-operations-at-dover-afb|title=Air Mobility Command stands down C-5 flying operations at Dover AFB|first=Charlsy|last=Panzino|date=7 August 2017|website=Air Force Times}}</ref> The last TF39-powered C-5 flew in late 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.westover.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1303782/and-then-there-were-none-the-final-c-5a-departs-westover-arb-for-retirement/ |title = And then there were none, the final C-5A departs Westover ARB for retirement > Westover Air Reserve Base > Article Display |date=8 September 2017|last=Smith |first=Hanna}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Balik |first1=Roland |title=An era of Dover-built TF39 engines throttles down |url=https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/785826/an-era-of-dover-built-tf39-engines-throttles-down/ |website=Air Mobility Command |access-date=9 February 2023 |date=12 April 2016}}</ref>