Lockheed Martin on Feb. 27 delivered the third C-5M Super Galaxy transport to the Air Force. The aircraft was flown from the company’s facility in Marietta, Ga., to Dover AFB, Del. “This delivery is yet another success in the C-5 modernization program,” said Lorraine Martin, Lockheed’s C-5 program vice president. This aircraft is the second C-5M to go to Dover. The first of the initial three C-5Ms arrived at Robins AFB, Ga., in December. Overall, the Air Force intends to upgrade 52 of its 111 C-5s to the M-model configuration by 2016. This variant features new General Electric CF6-80C2 engines, new avionics and about 70 reliability enhancements. These attributes are designed to give the massive airlifter the ability to climb higher and faster and carry more cargo over longer distances. The C-5M program will enter production this summer. Lockheed announced Feb. 26 that is has received two contracts totaling $324 million to continue work on the C-5Ms.
President Donald Trump’s nominee for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff touted his highly unusual background for the job as an asset and reaffirmed his commitment to stay apolitical during a confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on April 1.