Lockheed C-5 Galaxy

The Lockheed C‑5 Galaxy, developed by Lockheed Corporation in the 1960s, is one of the largest military transport aircraft ever built. First flown on June 30, 1968, the C‑5 entered service with the United States Air Force in 1970, marking a new era of strategic airlift capability. Its distinctive high‑wing, T‑tail design and four turbofan engines give it a maximum take‑off weight of 840,000 pounds and a cargo hold measuring roughly 121 feet long, 18 feet high and 19 feet wide, allowing it to carry oversized loads such as tanks, helicopters, and intercontinental ballistic missiles. The aircraft features a unique nose‑up, nose‑down loading system and a rear cargo ramp, enabling rapid loading and unloading without external equipment. Over 130 C‑5s have been produced, and continual upgrades—including the C‑5M Super Galaxy avionics, engines, and structural improvements—have extended its service life into the 2030s. The Galaxy’s ability to transport massive payloads across the globe in a single sortie has made it indispensable for humanitarian missions, rapid deployment of forces, and power projection, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of modern air logistics.

Lockheed Corporation

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