Lockheed Martin announced on Monday that it has received the next funding increment to continue modernizing a portion of the C-5 transport fleet with new engines and reliability improvements. The $344.3 million infusion covers work on 15 aircraft during the low-rate production phase of the C-5 reliability enhancement and re-engining program, or RERP. The company said this news comes upon the heels of the Pentagon acquisition executive’s approval of the funding’s release. RERP is the Air Force’s second major C-5 upgrade initiative. While all 111 C-5s in the fleet are getting a state-of-the-art glass cockpit under a separate project, only 52 C-5s (almost exclusively B-models) will receive the RERP improvements. The C-5s with both sets of new gear are designated C-5Ms. Already, the Air Force has three C-5Ms, all used as test aircraft. The next C-5M is expected to arrive in the fleet come September, said Lockheed.
Air Force Changes Rules for Pregnant Aircrew—Again
April 3, 2025
The Air Force is changing its policy for pregnant aircrew, generally reverting to rules set in 2019 that barred female aviators from flying during the first trimester—or from flying in aircraft with ejection seats at all—due to potential risks to the pilot and her unborn fetus.