Lockheed Martin workers earlier this month inducted the first C-5B Galaxy transport from Travis AFB, Calif., into the company’s Reliability Enhancement and Re-Engining Program modification line in Marietta, Ga. Tail No. 0008 is the 12th C-5B to enter the Marietta plant for conversion to the new C-5M Super Galaxy standard, announced the company May 9. The upgrades include new engines and reliability improvements. Overall, this aircraft is the 15th of 52 C-5s (one C-5A, 49 C-5Bs, and two C-5Cs) that the Air Force is updating to the new standard. This airframe is scheduled for delivery to Dover AFB, Del., in 2013, after its transformation, according to Lockheed Martin.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.