Lockheed Martin inducted its third C-5 Galaxy strategic airlifter into the Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program (RERP) production line at its facility here today.

The aircraft will become the sixth C-5M flying operational missions in support of America's strategic airlift requirements in mid-2011. The largest and most capable airlift aircraft in the U.S. Air Force fleet, the C-5M is rapidly becoming the cornerstone of Global Reach in support of operations around the world.

The RERP modifications will make the aircraft a C-5M Super Galaxy and consist of more than 70 improvements and upgrades to the C-5 airframe and aircraft systems, and include the installation of new higher-thrust, more reliable turbofan engines.

"We are excited every time we induct an aircraft to become a Super Galaxy, because it is the sunrise of a new generation of strategic airlifters. The strategic value of the C-5M, as well as the value to the taxpayer, is unmatched," said Lorraine Martin, Lockheed Martin C-5 vice president. "The C-5M is less than half the cost of other U.S. strategic airlifters and it provides twice the capability."

The third aircraft to enter the RERP/Modernization production line is a C-5B based at Dover Air Force Base, Del. This aircraft, USAF serial number 85-0005, was delivered to Dover on Jan. 28, 1987 and has served U.S. military operations across the globe in such areas as Afghanistan, Iraq, Morocco, Qatar, Senegal and Thailand.

The first production C-5M is scheduled for delivery to Dover AFB later this year.

Current Air Force plans call for Lockheed Martin to deliver 52 C-5Ms (modification of 49 C-5Bs, two C-5Cs, and one C-5A) by 2016. Three C-5Ms, the former Super Galaxy test fleet, were given the highest rating possible during Air Force testing and have set 42 world records in airlift while flying operational missions worldwide.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 136,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2009 sales of $45.2 billion.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company