C-5A Galaxy airlifters will not be getting new engines

**JA Boomer** · 16 Feb 08,, 02:52

It appears that the C-5B and C-5C airframes will be getting both the AMP upgrades and the RERP engine replacement, while the C-5A fleet will only be getting the AMP upgrade package.

Air Force C-5 Galaxy modernization program certified

Pentagon cancels re-engining of USAF's older Lockheed C-5s-15/02/2008-Washington DC-Flightglobal.com

Interesting move, I wonder how long the USAF plans to keep the C-5A...will they become C-5D's??? in the fleet once they have recieved the AMP upgrade.

**Jimmy** · 19 Feb 08,, 10:22

The USAF doesnt want to keep the C-5A, they'd rather have more C-17s. They've been trying to get Congress to allow the C-5A to be retired. They're tired jets, with a mediocre mission ready rate despite an exhorbant amount of money being thrown at them.

I'd expect the C-5A to keep its designation, to highlight that its the least capable/modernized in the Galaxy fleet. I wouldnt be surprised if they try to get out of the AMP upgrade as well.

**JA Boomer** · 22 Feb 08,, 08:40

Well, the C-5 can unarguably do many things that the C-17 can't, just the same as the C-17 can do things that the C-5 can't. I believe they are totally complementary aircraft, and work well together. It's a shame that the A models won't be getting new engines, but if they receive the AMP as planned, then they will still be around for some time to come.

A FRED is always the primary static display at the Abbotsford International Airshow. Glad to see it will remain this way in future years.

Here's what the AMP does for the Galaxy by the way:

**Jimmy** · 24 Feb 08,, 16:41

I dont disagree on any point, but the C-5A is a particularly troublesome aircraft. They have very low MR rates, everything is expensive to fix, and I've heard that maintainers hate them.