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.)
Lockheed Martin projects more than a billion dollars of losses on a classified program, but company officials said April 23 they are confident it will turn profitable by 2028 and become a "franchise" system in the U.S. military.