The latest C-5M Super Galaxy was ferried from Lockheed Martin’s facility in Marietta, Ga., to Stewart ANGB, N.Y., on Oct. 28, for final paint and detailing, according to a company press release. Its pilot was Brig. Gen. James Fontanella, who in 2006 flew the aircraft—serial number 87-0038—around the world in its earlier incarnation as a C-5B. Fontanella is currently commander of the Force Generation Center at Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command at Robins AFB, Ga. Originally delivered to the Air Force in 1988, the C-5M has 18,950 flying hours, according to the release. The transport aircraft’s final destination will be the 433rd Airlift Wing at JBSA-Lackland, Texas, which operates three other upgraded Super Galaxies. (See also: More Super Galaxy Conversions Under Contract.)
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.