Thirty-eight years later, still going strong Published June 20, 2006 By Laura McGowan Aeronautical Systems Center Office of Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Thirty-eight years after the C-5 Galaxy took its maiden flight, June 30, 1968, it marks another significant milestone. Monday at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., the C-5M made its First Flight right on schedule. A rollout ceremony for the first of 111 C-5Ms was held on May 16 at the Marietta plant. The modernization promised a more powerful, yet quieter airplane. The Aeronautical Systems Center’s C-5 Systems Group Commander, Col. Kevin Keck, said, “It’s a big day for the Air Force, Air Mobility Command and the C-5 team. The C-5M will save over 20 billion dollars—it pays for itself and them some.” The C-5 Systems Group oversees the C-5’s modernization process and supports the Air Force’s priorities of recapitalizing and modernizing faster while cutting costs. The C-5 has been utilized in every conflict since Vietnam, and this First Flight marks another June milestone for the program and the Air Force since its June 1968 flight. “This unique aircraft has provided the U.S. Air Force and our nation with an incredible capability since it first started supporting our country’s strategic air mobility requirement to move massive amounts of cargo and troops,” said George Shultz, vice president, Lockheed Martin C-5 modernization program. “Supporting our country’s global reach mission has been a priority for Lockheed Martin since the C-5 program began. This new aircraft, unlike any other in the world, provides the United States with unmatched capability into the future and unmatched operational cost savings to enable the Air Force to divert operational savings to other high priority needs.” “It’s great to be part of the team that ensures that the U.S. will have airlift capability that only the C-5 can provide well into this century.” The new, commercially-proven CF6 General Electric engine will deliver a 22 percent increase in thrust, a 30 percent shorter take-off roll, and a 38 percent higher climb to initial altitude, which will allow it to carry significantly more cargo over longer distances. The C-5 Avionics Modernization Program adds a modern cockpit with a digital, all-weather flight control system and autopilot, a new communications suite, flat panel displays and enhanced navigation and safety equipment to ease crew workload and enhance situational awareness. “It’s a one of a kind aircraft in strategic airlift with the ability to carry twice as much cargo as other systems. It’s a force multiplier,” said Col. Keck.