The Air Force effort to upgrade 112 C-5 airlifters has passed a major hurdle—the successful test of new General Electric engines mounted on one of the airlifters as part of the C-5 Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program. There was some concern that the technical risk on this massive overhaul effort would be too great, but everything worked—start up, electronics, thrust reversal, and run up to full power. The engine replacement process included about 70 other modifications and were preceded by the Avionics Modernization Program. Once all AMP and RERP work is complete—around 2020—USAF will change the airlifter designation to C-5M.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. has flown a second YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft, stepping up the pace of testing for the new uncrewed fighter escort. The company also announced “Gambit 6,” a fresh variant in its CCA family meant for air-to-ground missions.
