The C-5M Super Galaxy completed flight test

[ElcoB]

The Lockheed Martin C-5 Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program (RERP) flight test team has successfully completed developmental testing of all three C-5 RERP test aircraft. The testing included verification of performance and reliability enhancements to the propulsion system, utilities and subsystems, flight controls, airframe and avionics systems.

Now that RERP developmental flight test is complete, preparations get underway to deliver the three test aircraft to the Air Force in support of Operational Test and Evaluation, scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2009.

The C-5M Super Galaxy is the result of a two-phase modernization effort. The first and ongoing phase is the Avionics Modernization Program (AMP), which provides a state-of-the art glass cockpit and a digital backbone to support the RERP modifications. Forty-three C-5 aircraft have completed the AMP modifications. The aircraft, already returned to the fleet, have logged more than 38,000 hours of operational use.

RERP is the second phase, which adds new GE CF6-80C2 commercial engines and 70 other enhancements or replacements of major components and subsystems. The modification significantly increases systems reliability and improves availability. The additional 10,000 pounds of thrust per propulsion system creates 40,000 pounds more thrust across the platform, significantly improving operational performance.

Lockheed Martin News Release MARIETTA, Ga., August 18th, 2008

[fc82091]

anyone an idea why it has that red thing on its nose ?
http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/icd/24739 ... 24739b.jpg

[SilverJET]

anyone an idea why it has that red thing on its nose ?
http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/icd/24739 ... 24739b.jpg

That red boom that is attached to the nose of this aircraft contains various test equipment. It's filled with instrumentation that monitors altitude, airspeed, and a number of other factors during the flight.

[earthman]

anyone an idea why it has that red thing on its nose ?
http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/icd/24739 ... 24739b.jpg

That red boom that is attached to the nose of this aircraft contains various test equipment. It's filled with instrumentation that monitors altitude, airspeed, and a number of other factors during the flight.

It is actually a common sight on planes during testing.

[fc82091]

yea i've seen it on the an-225 before too so i was curious
thx for the quick answer

[regi]

The Galaxy exists now 40 years.
Looking at what happened with the B-52 and the reports after their latest check ups, we might say:
the Galaxy is ready for the next 40 years.

[smokejumper]

The Galaxy exists now 40 years.
Looking at what happened with the B-52 and the reports after their latest check ups, we might say:
the Galaxy is ready for the next 40 years.

As long as it is maintained well, it can last for many. many years. It's capabilities are not matched by anything else in the USAF inventory; it carries heavy and oversize cargo and takes off fully-loaded within 8,300 feet and lands within 4,900 feet. The landing distance is especially important since wartime landings with tanks may not permit lengthy roll-outs in combat areas.

There is a limited need for such planes (I beleive that only 110 are in service) and a replacement for a limited number of planes with this capabiity (261,000 pounds max payload vs. 170,900 pounds for the C-17) would be prohibitively expensive. Thus, we can expect to see the C-5 around for along time.

[earthman]

anyone an idea why it has that red thing on its nose ?
http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/icd/24739 ... 24739b.jpg

That red boom that is attached to the nose of this aircraft contains various test equipment. It's filled with instrumentation that monitors altitude, airspeed, and a number of other factors during the flight.

It is actually a common sight on planes during testing.

The first flight of the CRJ-1000 also has a red thing on it's nose.