The more powerful and reliable Lockheed Martin C-5M Galaxy passed a critical test in November, proving the US Air Force can finally bypass relay points or aerial refuellings to directly deliver cargo to bases in the Middle East.
Three C-5Ms delivered a total of 1.7 million kg (3.8 million lb) of equipment to Incirlik airbase in Turkey, with 34 sorties over a 31-day surge period ending on 21 November, says Lt Col Mike Semo, chief of the C-5M integration office at Dover AFB, Delaware.
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Each 9,000km (4,860nm) sortie, on average, carried about 50.3t of cargo, mostly within 36-pallet loads.
The 31-day surge was intended to test the power and fuel efficiency of the C-5M's new General Electric CF6-80C2 engines, and more than 70 other reliability upgrades.
Despite previous schedule delays and a series of cost overruns, the C-5M's new technology performed "better than expected" over the course of the trial, says Semo.
The capability adds a new set of options for the US military's logistics planners. "As more [C-5Ms] come on, we will utilise the direct delivery option," says Semo.
Among the USAF's airlift fleet, only the C-5M has demonstrated the capability to deliver cargo directly to the Middle East from the USA. Both the Boeing C-17 and non-modernised C-5A/B must stop to refuel at Rota AFB, Spain, or connect with a tanker in-flight. Both options require consuming more fuel and time than a direct flight, says Semo.
The C-5M's success during the surge test comes at a critical time for the programme. The results will be delivered to the USAF to inform a full-rate production decision for the C-5M in the second quarter of 2010, says the air force operational test and evaluation centre, which monitored the exercise.
USAF officials last year slashed the reliability enhancement and re-engining programme for the C-5 by half, after costs ballooned to more than $17 billion. Instead of upgrading all 111 A/B/C-model Galaxys to the M-standard, the service will instead spend about $12 billion to upgrade 52.
But the pressure on the USAF's budget for strategic airlifters is growing. Congress has added 33 C-17s to the service's budget since 2007, and is considering inserting funds for 10 more. The USAF has not been allocated extra funding to operate or maintain the additional C-17s.
Source: Flight International
