The taxi runs tested the structural integrity and movement of C-5’s new engines and pylons under rough conditions
Taken on Aug. 2, 2006 the impressive picture in this post shows a C-5 Galaxy taxing across a series of ramps laid out on Rogers Dry Lakebed as part of its Reliability Enhancement and Re-Engining Program (RERP). The taxi runs tested the structural integrity and movement of the aircraft’s new engines and pylons under rough conditions.
Based on a study showing 80 percent of the C-5 airframe service life remaining, Air Mobility Command (AMC) began an aggressive program to modernize the C-5 in 1998. The C-5 Avionics Modernization Program included upgrading the avionics to improve communications, navigation and surveillance/air traffic management compliance. The upgrade also added new safety equipment and installed a new autopilot system.
Another part of the C-5 modernization plan was RERP. The centerpiece of this program was the General Electric CF6-80C2 (F-138) commercial engine. This engine delivers a 22 percent increase in thrust, a 30 percent shorter take-off roll, has a 58 percent faster climb rate and allows significantly more cargo to be carried over longer distances.
With its new engine and other system upgrades, the RERP modified C-5A/B/Cs become C-5Ms, Super Galaxy.
Since its inception, the C-5 has been a critical instrument of national policy. From the defense of Israel in the Yom Kippur war, to the air bridge supporting coalition forces in Desert Storm, the C-5 delivers unmatched capability to carry enormous loads over global distances.
Today the C-5M provides greatly improved reliability, efficiency, maintainability and availability, while ensuring this critical strategic airlift resource continues serving the warfighter well into the 21st century.
Photot credit: Edwards History Office file photo / U.S. Air Force
Source: U.S. Air Force
