Lockheed Martin C5 Galaxy

The strategic airlifter built for heavy intercontinental transport.

Lockheed C-5 Galaxy © Editorial Team

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Overview

Lockheed Martin United States 1970–Present $167.7 million

The Lockheed Martin C-5 Galaxy is one of the largest military transport aircraft ever built. Entering service in the early 1970s, it was designed to carry oversized cargo across continents. The aircraft remains central to U.S. strategic airlift capability.

Specifications

Units
Engine
—
Engine type
-
Thrust
43,000 lbf · 191 kN
Avionics
Honeywell Defense Avionics Systems
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
8
Crew
—
Cabin width
19 ft 8 in  ·  6.00 m
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
121 ft 5 in  ·  37.00 m
Exterior length
247 ft 1 in  ·  75.30 m
Tail height
—
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
222 ft 9 in  ·  67.89 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
4,083,000 lb  ·  1,852,000 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
270,000 lb  ·  122,500 kg
Fuel capacity
51,200 gal · 193,600 L · 154,900 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
503 kt  ·  579 mph  ·  932 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
2,400 nm  ·  2,760 mi  ·  4,440 km
Fuel burn
0.05 nm/gal  ·  0.02 km/L
Ceiling
34,000 ft  ·  10,400 m
Rate of climb
12 ft/min  ·  0 m/s
Takeoff distance
8,400 ft  ·  2,560 m
Landing distance
3,600 ft  ·  1,100 m
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Lockheed C-5 Galaxy

Operational Context

Lockheed Martin C-5 Galaxy — strategic military transport

The C-5 first flew in 1968 and entered service in 1970. It features a high-mounted wing and distinctive nose door for loading. The aircraft was engineered to transport heavy equipment over long distances.

Four turbofan engines producing approximately 51,000 pounds of thrust (227 kN) each power the aircraft in modernized variants. Cruise speed approaches Mach 0.77. Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 840,000 pounds (381,018 kg), with payload exceeding 270,000 pounds (122,470 kg).

The C-5 has supported global military operations for decades. Upgraded versions continue flying with enhanced reliability. The aircraft remains among the largest operational military transports in the world.