The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is the primary heavy haul aircraft of the U. S. A. F. The aircraft had its origins in the early 1960's as a larger replacement for existing aircraft.

In 1965 Lockheed was awarded the contract for the aircraft. On June 30, 1968 the first C-5 Galaxy took to the sky. They began deployment in 1970.

The front and rear cargo doors of the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy allow drive through aircraft loading and unloading. Its landing gear can be adjusted to lower the floor of the cargo area by approximately 120" from normal height. This facilitates the loading of cargo by lowering the height of the cargo floor to only half the normal distance from the ground. It also keeps the incline angle of the aircraft ramps at a minimum.

The ailerons of the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy are computer controlled to move automatically in order to counter wing flexing that can occur during flight. The aircraft is completely pressurized and is capable of in flight refueling.

A twenty eight wheel landing gear permits wider load distribution for rough runway operations. The fuselage mounted landing gear can operate each wheel set separately. This facilitates maintenance. The landing gear system can be angled up to twenty degrees to facilitate cross wind landings and take offs.

The aircraft has four electrical generators and two auxiliary power units, a triple redundancy GPS navigation system, computerized aircraft systems analysis, monitoring and recording.

C-5 Galaxy aircraft participated in airlifts late in the Vietnam War. Taking off from the Azors, the aircraft help supply Israel with tanks and other weapons during the 1973 war with Syria and Egypt. They also delivered supplies to earthquake victims in Armenia during December of 1988. In March of 1989 the aircraft delivered two million lbs. of supplies for clean up of the Alaska oil spill. They participated in Desert Shield, Desert Storm and the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq.

In 2006 Lockheed began the upgrading of C-5 aircraft with more efficient, powerful engines, fuselage enhancements, and new avionics. The upgraded aircraft are designated Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy. The aircraft have increased carrying capacity, range, and performance.

During testing in September, 2009, a Super Galaxy set numerous new records for its class regarding cargo loads and record times to flight ceilings.

A total of 131 Lockheed C-5 Galaxy aircraft of all types have been manufactured.

C-5M Super Galaxy Specifications
Primary Function:     Crew:     Engines:     Thrust:     Length:     Wingspan:     Weight Empty:     Max. Weight:     Seats:     Payload:     Cargo Area:     Fuel:     Cruise Speed:     Max. Speed:     Climb Rate:     Ceiling:     Range:     First Flight:	global transport seven GE CF6-80C2 4- 50,000 lbs.+ ea. 247' 10" 229' 9" 337,940 lbs. 900,000 lbs. 73 troops 350,000 lbs. L-121', W-19', H-13.5' 349,866 lbs. 550 mph 595 mph 2,850 fpm 46,900 feet 4,000 miles 6/19/06