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.
Boeing’s receipt of the 10th lot contract award for the KC-46 Pegasus this week leaves just three lots left to complete the Air Force’s buy of the tanker, although a further buy of 75 additional aircraft as a “bridge” to the Next-Generation Aerial-refueling System (NGAS) seems increasingly likely.