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.
When Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth rolled out an expansive acquisition reform agenda earlier this month, he promised aggressive implementation and reorganization aimed at transforming the way the Pentagon develops and fields weapons and platforms. The plan appears to have been well-received by past administration officials and lawmakers from both parties who…
