Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force recorded two major milestones in the C-5 Galaxy modernization effort last week. The first production aircraft modified under the C-5 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) was completed, and that aircraft was then delivered to Lockheed Martin to begin the Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program (RERP).

"These modernization programs ensure that the C-5 fleet will be viable for the next 40 years," said June Shrewsbury, Lockheed Martin's vice president of strategic airlift. "The avionics upgrades provide the crews with a modern cockpit and improved safety of flight, while the reliability enhancement and re-engining program delivers the performance expected by the warfighter. We look forward to demonstrating these enhancements to the Air Force. Modernization of the C-5 fleet represents an exceptional fiscal value and makes a significant contribution toward filling future airlift requirements."

AMP is the first phase of the U.S. Air Force modernization plan to upgrade the avionics on the C-5A/B Galaxy strategic transport fleet. The program provides a cockpit with modern digital avionics and flight instrumentation and replaces components of the all-weather flight control system (AWFCS) and the older analog autopilot.

The first aircraft, modified by a Lockheed Martin field team at Dover Air Force Base, Del., was flown to Lockheed Martin's facility in Marietta, Ga., where it is scheduled to be inducted into the RERP on Oct. 22. During this second phase the C-5's power plant will be replaced. The RERP includes more than 70 system and equipment improvements to enhance the overall reliability and maintainability of the aircraft, while reducing total ownership costs.

Lockheed Martin Background

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., a business area of Lockheed Martin, is a leader in the design, research and development, systems integration, production and support of advanced military aircraft and related technologies. Its customers include the military services of the United States and allied countries throughout the world. Products include the F-16, F/A-22, F-35 JSF, F-117, C-5, C-130, C-130J, P-3, S-3 and U-2. The company produces major components for the F-2 fighter, and is a co-developer of the C-27J tactical transport and T-50 advanced jet trainer.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2003 sales of $31.8 billion.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company