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U.S. Air Force Extends C-5M Galaxy Service Life to 2050
The U.S. Air Force has updated its timeline for replacing the C-5M Galaxy strategic airlifter, now planning to retire the fleet in fiscal year 2050. This is five years later than the schedule outlined in last year's plan. The service is requesting funding to begin analysis of a Next-Generation Airlift platform that would eventually replace both the C-5M and C-17A Globemaster III.
May 11, 1:00 PM·2m read1 source
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The U.S. Air Force does not expect the last of its C-5M Galaxy cargo planes to be replaced until fiscal year 2050. This timeline is roughly five years later than the retirement schedule the service laid out last year. The Next-Generation Airlift platform, known as NGAL, is also expected to replace the C-17A Globemaster III fleet, which is projected to remain in service through 2075.
The C-5M is the largest airlifter in U.S. military service and provides unique capabilities. It can accommodate larger payloads by mass and volume than the C-17A and allows simultaneous loading and unloading from both nose and tail doors. The aircraft is used for moving outsized and unusual payloads by air, including satellites and other space-related items.
The service currently operates 52 C-5Ms, all converted from older B and C variants. The last of those legacy aircraft were built in 1989. Under the new timeline, the youngest C-5Ms will be 61 years old at retirement. The Air Force has 222 C-17As, with the last acquired in 2013.
Neither aircraft remains in production.
The Air Force recently disclosed that the C-5 fleet's mission capable rate has fallen to 37 percent. At a House Appropriations Committee hearing in April, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach stated the figure. Retired Air Force Gen. Michael “Mini” Minihan referenced earlier congressional testimony from U.S. Transportation Command commander Gen.
Randall Reed that had placed the mission reliability rate at 46 percent. The C-5 has a long history of maintenance challenges despite major upgrades. Lt. Gen. Rebecca Sonkiss, Deputy Commander of Air Mobility Command, addressed the sustainability questions in February.
