The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is one of the larget military transport aircraft ever built, designed to provide the United States Air Force with unparalleled strategic airlift capability. Developed during the 1960s to meet the urgent need for rapid intercontinental deployment of massive cargo loads.

Variants

C-5A

The original production version introduced in the late 1960s, designed for strategic heavy airlift with massive cargo capacity. It features a distinctive nose that can tilt upward for front loading, and a rear cargo door, enabling simultaneous loading and unloading. The C-5A was pivotal in supporting large-scale military operations.

C-5C

An upgraded variant of the C-5A with enhanced avionics and strengthened structure, capable of carrying oversized cargo such as space vehicles. It was adapted to support NASA and other specialized missions requiring very large payloads.

C-5M

A modernized version with new, fuel-efficient engines (General Electric CF6-80C2), updated avionics, and improved reliability and maintainability. The C-5M offers better range, increased payload capacity, and reduced operating costs, extending the Galaxy's service life well into the future.