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C-5M Super Galaxy Strategic Airlifter

C-5M Super Galaxy Strategic Airlifter

Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin
Category: Bombers & Strategic Aircraft
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Maximum Speed 518 mph (833 km/h)
Range 5,500 miles (8,890 km)
Payload Capacity 281,000 lbs (127,460 kg)
Crew 7

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name	C-5M Super Galaxy
Manufacturer	Lockheed Martin
Country of Origin	United States
Introduction / In Service Since	2009 / Active
Status	Operational
Category	Strategic Heavy Airlifter
Crew	7 (pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer, loadmasters)
Unit Cost	$90–120 million (approx.)

2. Dimensions & Structure

Length	247 ft 1 in (75.5 m)
Wingspan	222 ft 9 in (67.9 m)
Height	65 ft 1 in (19.8 m)
Wing Area	6,200 sq ft (578 m²)
Empty Weight	380,000 lbs (172,365 kg)
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	840,000 lbs (381,000 kg)

3. Performance

Maximum Speed	518 mph (833 km/h
Range	5,500 miles (8,890 km)
Combat Radius	N/A (non-combat aircraft)
Service Ceiling	35,000 ft (10,668 m)
Rate of Climb	1,500 ft/min

4. Powerplant

Engine Type	4 × GE CF6-80C2 turbofan
Thrust (per engine)	51,250 lbf (228 kN)
Total Thrust	205,000 lbf (912 kN)

5. Payload & Armament

Internal Payload Capacity	281,000 lbs (127,460 kg)
Weapons Bay	None
Compatible Weapons	N/A
Hardpoints	None

6. Avionics & Systems

Radar System	Weather and terrain-following radar
Navigation	GPS/INS with digital flight management
Electronic Warfare (EW)	Basic defensive countermeasures
Stealth Features	None (non-stealth)

7. Operational History

Primary Operator	United States Air Force
Conflict Usage	Iraq, Afghanistan, humanitarian missions
Notable Missions	Evacuation of heavy equipment from Afghanistan (2021)

8. Additional Information

Variants	C-5A, C-5B, C-5C, C-5M
Successor / Future Replacement	None (ongoing modernization)
Notable Features	Nose/tail loading, kneeling gear, global reach
Estimated Operational Life	Through 2045

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

5.8

Stealth Capability 3 / 10
Payload Capacity 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10
Electronic Warfare 5 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 5 / 10

PROS

Exceptional payload capacity for oversized cargo
Long intercontinental range without refueling
Advanced avionics and digital cockpit systems
Reliable and efficient GE CF6 engines
Proven in decades of global operations

CONS

High maintenance and operational costs
Large radar signature and non-stealth profile
Limited maneuverability due to size
Requires long runways for takeoff and landing
Aging airframe despite modernization efforts

The Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy stands as one of the most powerful and capable military transport aircraft ever built. Designed for strategic airlift missions, it plays a crucial role in the U.S. Air Force’s global mobility operations, moving outsized and oversized cargo that no other aircraft can carry over long intercontinental ranges.

Originally developed by Lockheed (now Lockheed Martin) in the 1960s, the C-5 Galaxy underwent significant modernization under the C-5M Super Galaxy program. This upgrade enhanced engine performance, avionics, and reliability, giving the aircraft a new lease on life well into the 2040s.

Powered by four General Electric CF6-80C2 turbofan engines, each generating over 51,000 pounds of thrust, the C-5M offers a range of 5,500 miles (8,890 km) with a full payload of 120 tons (240,000 lbs). Its maximum takeoff weight exceeds 840,000 pounds (381,000 kg), making it one of the heaviest operational aircraft in the world.

The aircraft’s distinctive nose and tail cargo doors allow simultaneous front and rear loading, dramatically improving ground turnaround times. Its kneeling landing gear system lowers the fuselage for easier loading of tanks, helicopters, or even other aircraft components.

In operations, the C-5M has supported nearly every major U.S. deployment—from humanitarian aid missions to rapid power projection during conflicts in the Middle East and Europe. With an advanced glass cockpit, modern avionics suite, and reduced maintenance requirements, the Super Galaxy ensures the Air Force retains strategic reach across the globe.

C-5M Super Galaxy Price in US

While unit cost varies depending on upgrades and configuration, the C-5M Super Galaxy has an estimated value of $90–120 million per aircraft. Given its unmatched payload capacity and intercontinental reach, it remains one of the most cost-effective assets for heavy global transport operations.

FAQs

How many C-5M Super Galaxies are in service?

As of 2025, the U.S. Air Force operates approximately 52 C-5M Super Galaxies. These upgraded aircraft serve primarily under the Air Mobility Command (AMC), based at Dover Air Force Base, Travis AFB, and Westover ARB. The fleet underwent modernization under the Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program (RERP) to extend operational life through 2045.

Is the C-5 Galaxy bigger than a 747?

Yes, the C-5M Super Galaxy is larger than most Boeing 747 variants in both length and wingspan. The C-5M measures 247 feet (75.5 m) long, compared to the 747-8’s 250 feet (76.3 m) — nearly the same — but the Galaxy’s wingspan and cargo bay volume are significantly greater, allowing it to carry heavier and bulkier military equipment.

Is the C-5 the biggest plane in the world?

The C-5M Super Galaxy ranks among the largest operational military aircraft in the world. However, it is slightly smaller than Ukraine’s Antonov An-225 Mriya, which held the record for the largest aircraft ever built. Since the An-225’s destruction in 2022, the C-5M and Russia’s An-124 Ruslan are considered the largest actively operating transport aircraft.

How much does the C-5M Super Galaxy cost?

The estimated cost of a C-5M Super Galaxy ranges between $90 million and $120 million per aircraft, depending on modernization, maintenance, and support packages. While expensive, its enormous payload capacity (up to 281,000 lbs) and intercontinental range make it one of the most cost-effective heavy airlifters in long-range logistics.

What is the most feared aircraft in the U.S. military?

While the C-5M Super Galaxy is not a combat aircraft, the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber is often regarded as the most feared aircraft in the U.S. military. Its ability to penetrate advanced air defenses and deliver both conventional and nuclear weapons anywhere in the world makes it a critical strategic deterrent in America’s arsenal.

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