C5M

The C-5M Super Galaxy is the upgraded variant of the Boeing C-5 Galaxy, the United States Air Force’s strategic airlifter. The designation C-5M identifies aircraft that have undergone a comprehensive modernization to improve reliability, maintainability, and overall performance while preserving the airframe’s outsized payload capability.

The upgrade program combines two main initiatives: the Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program (RERP) and the Avionics Modernization Program (AMP). Key changes include the installation of new high-thrust General Electric CF6-80C2 engines, a digital cockpit with modern avionics, and related electrical, flight-control, and structural updates. These modifications aim to increase mission readiness, reduce maintenance workloads, and extend the service life of the fleet, while offering modest improvements in range and efficiency. The C-5M retains the original strategic lift role but benefits from greater reliability and faster on-station capability.

In service with the United States Air Force, C-5Ms perform long-range, outsized cargo missions worldwide. They support military deployments, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and other strategic transport requirements, carrying large equipment, aircraft components, and other bulky cargo that are difficult to move by alternative means. The program effectively converted earlier C-5B and related airframes to the modern standard, creating a more capable and maintainable backbone for U.S. strategic airlift.

See also: C-5 Galaxy.