Please note: This aircraft is currently not on public display at the museum.
The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is the largest and heaviest aircraft operated by the US Air Force. For decades, the C-5 has been a pivotal air mobility asset, responsible for the rapid deployment of combat forces to any point in the world at short notice. First delivered in 1970, the C-5 has seen extensive use in every major global contingency since the Southeast Asia War.
The C-5’s range and cargo capacity greatly exceeded the capabilities of earlier US Air Force airlifters. The massive cargo hold measures 120 feet long, nearly 20 feet wide, and 13 feet tall. In a standard configuration it can carry 36 pallets of equipment and 81 troops. The C-5 is also used to transport special oversize loads and can accommodate two Minuteman Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles or a variety of heavy combat equipment, including two M1 Abrams main battle tanks or three CH-47 Chinook helicopters.
Specially designed for heavy airlift, the C-5’s large front and rear cargo doors reduce cargo transfer times by allowing ground crews to load and off-load the aircraft simultaneously. An innovative “kneeling” landing gear system facilitates vehicle loading and eliminates the need for special lift equipment. The C-5’s “high flotation” landing gear permits the aircraft to operate from smaller, unsurfaced airfields despite its great size and weight, allowing for forward delivery of troops and equipment.
On October 14, 1973, this aircraft flew the first Operation Nickel Grass mission to resupply Israeli forces during the Yom Kippur War. This aircraft logged over 22,000 flight hours and last operated with the 439th Airlift Wing at Westover AFB, Massachusetts.
Technical Notes
Crew: Seven (pilot, copilot, two flight engineers, and three loadmasters)
Engines: Four General Electric TF39 turbofan engines with 43,000 lbs thrust each
Load: 75 troops (upper deck), 270 troops (lower deck), or 270,000 lbs of cargo
Maximum speed: 518 mph
Range: Approx. 5,500 miles with 120,000 lbs cargo (unrefueled); capable of in-flight refueling