The seventh C-5 transport has entered Lockheed Martin’s modification line in Marietta, Ga., for upgrade to the Super Galaxy configuration. This aircraft, a C-5B model stationed at Dover AFB, Del., will receive more than 70 reliability and performance enhancements, including new General Electric fuel-efficient engines, before rolling off the line in mid 2012, according to the company. These Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program improvements, coupled with new avionics installed under a separate project, will transform this C-5 into the new C-5M Super Galaxy configuration. Overall, the Air Force intends to modernize 52 C-5s (one C-5As, 49 C-5Bs, and two C-5Cs) to the Super Galaxy standard. Marietta officials inducted this C-5 into the RERP line on June 2. Air Force officials have praised the performance of the first C-5Ms that have entered the fleet. (Lockheed release)
The U.S. supports “a stronger and more capable” European defense, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said during an Oct. 22 press conference in Brussels—but that defense should not duplicate the functions and capabilities of the NATO alliance.