Lockheed C-5 Galaxy

American heavy military transport aircraft

The C-5 Galaxy is a very big military cargo aircraft made by Lockheed (now Lockheed Martin) used by the United States Air Force. It first flew in 1968 and was introduced in 1970. It is one of the biggest transports in the world. It is 247 feet (75 meters) long, 65 feet (19 meters) high, has a wingspan of 222 feet (67 meters), and can weigh up to 840,000 pounds (378,000 kilograms).[4]

C-5 Galaxy
Top view of four-engine jet transport in-flight above mountain range.
A United States Air Force C-5 in-flight
Role Strategic airlifter
National origin United States
Manufacturer Lockheed
First flight 30 June 1968[1]
Introduction June 1970
Status Operational
Active: 36
Reserve: 37
ANG: 21[2]
Primary user United States Air Force
Produced C-5A: 1968–1973
C-5B: 1985–1989
C-5M upgrades: 2006–present
Number built 131 (C-5A: 81, C-5B: 50)
Unit cost
C-5B: US$168 million (1987)[3]
Lockheed C-5 Galaxy

It is used to fly military equipment on to battlefields, and because of its size, it can even carry tanks and helicopters. Five C-5s have crashed.

References change

  1. Bakse 1995, p. 91.
  2. Mehuron, Tamar A., Assoc. Editor. "2012 USAF Almanac, Fact and Figures." Air Force Magazine, May 2008.
  3. Congressional Budget Office 1986, p. 47.
  4. Federation of American Scientists, C-5A/B Galaxy