- Side
- United States and South Vietnam
A C-5 Galaxy assigned to the 60th Military Airlift Wing departed Tan Son Nhut Air Base during Operation Babylift in April 1975, in the final phase of the Vietnam War.
Aircraft & UAVs
C-5 Galaxy
Also known as
- Lockheed C-5 Galaxy
- Lockheed C-5A Galaxy
- Lockheed C-5B Galaxy
- Lockheed C-5C Galaxy
- C-5M Super Galaxy
The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is a U.S. heavy strategic airlifter family built for outsized cargo, vehicle, and personnel transport. Its nose and aft cargo doors, kneeling landing gear, and intercontinental lift capacity made it a central U.S. mobility platform in conflicts from Vietnam-era evacuation airlift and the 1973 Yom Kippur War resupply through the Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Operation Inherent Resolve.
Role in Conflicts
- Side
- Israel
U.S. C-5A aircraft flew Operation Nickel Grass missions delivering military supplies to Israel during the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
- Side
- Coalition forces
C-5 Galaxies formed part of the Desert Shield/Desert Storm strategic airlift, flying thousands of missions and moving coalition cargo into the Southwest Asia theater.
Role details
C-5 and C-5M aircraft supported Operation Enduring Freedom airlift, including helicopter and equipment movement into Afghanistan.
Role detailsC-5 Galaxy aircraft carried supplies and troops for Operation Iraqi Freedom from March 2003, Travis C-5s landed at Baghdad in support of the campaign, and a Dover C-5M later delivered more than 85,000 pounds of equipment into Iraq.
Role details
A C-5M Super Galaxy from Dover delivered or unloaded equipment at Incirlik Air Base in August 2015 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Profile / Specs
Profile
- Origin
- United States
- Type
- Strategic airlifter / transport aircraft family
- Service note
- 1968-present
- Designer
- Lockheed-Georgia / Lockheed Martin
- Designed
- 1960s
- Produced
- C-5A operational deliveries from 1970; C-5B deliveries completed March 1989; C-5C conversions delivered in fiscal year 1989; C-5M RERP deliveries completed August 2018.
- Number built
- Official sources directly support 76 C-5A inventory aircraft, 50 C-5B deliveries, two C-5C conversions from C-5As, and 52 C-5M modernizations.
Specifications
- Primary function
- Outsize cargo transport
- Prime contractor
- Lockheed Martin-Georgia Co.
- Wingspan
- 222 feet 9 inches (67.89 m)
- Length
- 247 feet 10 inches (75.3 m)
- Height
- 65 feet 1 inch (19.84 m)
- Maximum cargo
- 281,001 pounds (127,460 kg) for the C-5M
- Maximum takeoff weight
- 840,000 pounds (381,024 kg)
- Crew
- Pilot, co-pilot, two flight engineers, and three loadmasters
- Engines
- C-5M: four General Electric CF6-80C2-L1F/F-138 engines; C-5A: four General Electric TF39 turbofans
- Cargo compartment
- 143 feet 9 inches (43.8 m) long; 19 feet (5.79 m) wide; 13 feet 6 inches (4.11 m) high
- Pallet positions
- 36
- Loading features
- Nose and aft cargo doors with kneeling landing gear for drive-on/drive-off loading
- Landing gear
- Five landing-gear sets with 28 wheels
- Fuel capacity
- 51,150 gallons (194,370 liters) in 12 internal wing tanks
Variants
The C-5 family began as the C-5A CX-HLS heavy-lift airlifter, added the improved-production C-5B, converted two C-5As into space-cargo C-5Cs, and modernized selected A/B/C airframes as C-5M Super Galaxies.
| Variant | Configuration | Designation notes |
|---|---|---|
| C-5A Galaxy | Original production strategic airlifter | Lockheed was selected in 1965 for the C-5A, and the first operational C-5A was delivered to the 437th Airlift Wing in June 1970. Sources: AMC C-5 A/B/C Galaxy and C-5M Super Galaxy fact sheet, USAF C-5M Super Galaxy fact sheet |
| C-5B Galaxy | Improved production model | The C-5B incorporated additional system modifications to improve reliability and maintainability; the final aircraft in the 50-aircraft C-5B buy was delivered in March 1989. Sources: AMC C-5 A/B/C Galaxy and C-5M Super Galaxy fact sheet |
| C-5C Galaxy | Space-cargo conversion | Two C-5As were modified for NASA outsized space cargo and delivered as C-5Cs in fiscal year 1989. Sources: AMC C-5 A/B/C Galaxy and C-5M Super Galaxy fact sheet, Unique C-5 completes major inspection |
| C-5M Super Galaxy | AMP/RERP modernized variant | RERP-modified C-5A/B/C aircraft became C-5Ms with F138/CF6-80C2 engines and related reliability upgrades; Lockheed says 49 C-5Bs, two C-5Cs, and one C-5A were modified. Sources: Lockheed Martin Delivers 52nd C-5M Super Galaxy, AMC C-5 A/B/C Galaxy and C-5M Super Galaxy fact sheet |
Carried Loads
Official Air Force and DVIDS sources document the C-5 family carrying or loading heavy ground vehicles and helicopters, including Abrams tanks, Bradley fighting vehicles, JLTVs, and Apache helicopters.
| Carried item | Item type | Carriage evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | Main battle tank | The U.S. Air Force Academy says the C-5 is capable of carrying two M1 Abrams battle tanks. Sources: The Contrails: Aircraft, Weapons Systems: C-5A/B/C/M Galaxy |
 | Attack helicopter | U.S. Air Forces in Europe says C-5M Galaxies delivered Army AH-64 Apache helicopters to Europe. |
 | Infantry fighting vehicle | DVIDS documents Army soldiers and Air Force personnel loading a Bradley Fighting Vehicle onto a C-5 Galaxy at Hunter Army Airfield in December 2023. Sources: DVIDS Bradley loaded on C-5 Galaxy |
 | Light tactical vehicle | Air Reserve Personnel Center reporting says a joint team loaded a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle and an M1A2 Abrams before flying them aboard a C-5M. Sources: Army Vehicles Go Airborne As C-5 Shows Off Airlift Muscle Before Airshow |
Carried Aircraft
The National Museum of the United States Air Force says the C-5A Galaxy can accommodate three CH-47 Chinook helicopters.
| Carried item | Item type | Carriage evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | Heavy-lift transport helicopter | The National Museum of the United States Air Force says the C-5A Galaxy can accommodate three CH-47 Chinook helicopters. Sources: National Museum C-5A Galaxy |
Carried Munitions
The National Museum of the United States Air Force says the C-5A Galaxy can accommodate two Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles.
| Carried item | Item type | Carriage evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | Intercontinental ballistic missile | The National Museum of the United States Air Force says the C-5A Galaxy can accommodate two Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles. Sources: National Museum C-5A Galaxy |
Timeline
C-5 Galaxy Key Events
Lockheed selected for C-5A
The C-5A program selected Lockheed Aircraft Corporation for the heavy-lift airframe and General Electric for the TF39 engine.
Sources: AMC Chronological History of the C-5 Galaxy
C-5A first flight
The C-5A made its maiden flight from Dobbins Air Force Base, beginning the Galaxy flight-test program.
Sources: USAF C-5M Super Galaxy fact sheet, AMC Chronological History of the C-5 Galaxy
First operational C-5A delivered
Lockheed-Georgia delivered the first operational C-5A to the 437th Airlift Wing at Charleston Air Force Base.
Sources: AMC C-5 A/B/C Galaxy and C-5M Super Galaxy fact sheet
Operation Nickel Grass mission
A C-5A flew the first Operation Nickel Grass resupply mission to Israeli forces during the Yom Kippur War.
Sources: National Museum C-5A Galaxy, Travis Operation Nickel Grass history
C-5B production deliveries completed
The last of 50 C-5B aircraft was delivered, completing the improved-production run.
Sources: AMC C-5 A/B/C Galaxy and C-5M Super Galaxy fact sheet
C-5C conversions delivered
Two Space Cargo Modified C-5Cs were delivered in fiscal year 1989 after conversion from C-5A airframes.
Sources: AMC C-5 A/B/C Galaxy and C-5M Super Galaxy fact sheet
Avionics Modernization Program begins
Air Mobility Command began the C-5 Avionics Modernization Program after a study showed substantial airframe life remained.
Sources: USAF C-5M Super Galaxy fact sheet
Final C-5M delivered
Lockheed Martin delivered the 52nd and final C-5M upgraded under the Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program at Marietta.
Sources: Lockheed Martin Delivers 52nd C-5M Super Galaxy
Related Weapon Systems
Sources
C-5 Galaxy | Lockheed MartinPublisher: Lockheed Martin | Note: Supports manufacturer background and the C-5 family product overview. | Accessed: 2026-07-04C-5 Galaxy: Heavy Lifting | Lockheed MartinPublisher: Lockheed Martin | Note: Supports historical background and the original production total for the C-5 family. | Accessed: 2026-07-04USAF C-5M Super Galaxy fact sheetPublisher: U.S. Air Force | Note: Supports mission, service history, dimensions, crew, cargo compartment, engine fit, payload, and C-5 modernization details. | Accessed: 2026-07-04National Museum C-5A GalaxyPublisher: National Museum of the United States Air Force | Note: Supports C-5A background, specifications, carried loads, direct operational use during the 1955 Vietnam War/Southeast Asia War, and the first Operation Nickel Grass C-5A mission during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. | Accessed: 2026-07-04Travis C-5 fact sheetPublisher: Travis Air Force Base | Note: Supports payload handling, pallet count, troop lift, runway flexibility, and other cargo-system features. | Accessed: 2026-07-04The Contrails: Aircraft, Weapons Systems: C-5A/B/C/M GalaxyPublisher: U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs | Note: Supports the C-5's carriage of two M1 Abrams battle tanks. | Accessed: 2026-07-04USAF supports Army helicopter delivery to EuropePublisher: U.S. Air Forces in Europe | Note: Supports AH-64 Apache helicopters delivered by C-5M Galaxies to Europe. | Accessed: 2026-07-04Wikimedia Commons C5 galaxy.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance and licensing page for the C-5A Galaxy photo used as the primary image. | Accessed: 2026-07-04Wikimedia Commons USAF C-5 Galaxy in flight.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance and licensing page for the in-flight C-5 photo used in the gallery. | Accessed: 2026-07-04Wikimedia Commons C5 Galaxy nose.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance and licensing page for the nose-detail C-5 photo used in the gallery. | Accessed: 2026-07-04Travis Operation Nickel Grass historyPublisher: Travis Air Force Base | Note: Supports direct 1973 Yom Kippur War conflict use: Military Airlift Command C-5A Galaxy aircraft moved supplies and ammunition to Israel during Operation Nickel Grass. | Accessed: 2026-07-04AMC Desert Shield Desert Storm airlift historyPublisher: Air Mobility Command | Note: Supports direct 1990 Gulf War conflict use: C-5 Galaxy strategic airlift missions and cargo movement during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. | Accessed: 2026-07-04Galaxy rising: C-5's future to surgePublisher: Air Mobility Command | Note: Supports C-5 variant/modernization context, direct operational use during the 1955 Vietnam War/Southeast Asia War, and direct operational use during Operation Enduring Freedom in the 2001 War in Afghanistan. | Accessed: 2026-07-04AMC C-5 A/B/C Galaxy and C-5M Super Galaxy fact sheetPublisher: Air Mobility Command | Note: Supports C-5A/B/C variant history, AMP/RERP modernization, C-5M engines, cargo/range data, and RERP completion. | Accessed: 2026-07-04AMC Chronological History of the C-5 GalaxyPublisher: Air Mobility Command Office of History | Note: Supports C-5 source selection, rollout, first flight, C-5A wing program, C-5B deliveries, C-5C conversion, and conflict-use chronology, including C-5 supply and troop deliveries for Operation Iraqi Freedom in the 2003 Iraq War. | Accessed: 2026-07-0462nd AW Remembers Operations Babylift, New LifePublisher: Team McChord / U.S. Air Force | Note: Supports direct 1955 Vietnam War conflict use: a C-5 Galaxy departed Tan Son Nhut Air Base during Operation Babylift in April 1975. | Accessed: 2026-07-04TACC Airmen plan major helicopter rotation in AfghanistanPublisher: Air Mobility Command | Note: Supports direct 2001 War in Afghanistan conflict use: C-5 aircraft moved helicopters and associated equipment into Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom requirements. | Accessed: 2026-07-04Team Dover flies first C-5M to IraqPublisher: Air Mobility Command | Note: Supports direct 2003 Iraq War conflict use: a C-5M delivered more than 85,000 pounds of equipment for troops downrange and flew into Iraq on an Operation Iraqi Freedom channel mission. | Accessed: 2026-07-04Travis C-5 crew recounts enemy attackPublisher: Air Mobility Command | Note: Supports direct 2003 Iraq War conflict use: Travis C-5s had landed at Baghdad since summer 2003 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and one C-5 was damaged by ground fire after takeoff from Iraq. | Accessed: 2026-07-05728th AMS supports OIR arrivalsPublisher: Incirlik Air Base / U.S. Air Force | Note: Supports direct 2013 War in Iraq conflict use: C-5M equipment unloading at Incirlik Air Base in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in August 2015. | Accessed: 2026-07-04Lockheed Martin Delivers 52nd C-5M Super GalaxyPublisher: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company | Note: Supports final C-5M delivery, RERP content, C-5M first flight and first operational delivery, Marietta build site, and the 49 C-5B / two C-5C / one C-5A conversion mix. | Accessed: 2026-07-04Unique C-5 completes major inspectionPublisher: Air Mobility Command | Note: Supports C-5C/Space Cargo Modified details, including the two-aircraft configuration and satellite-cargo purpose. | Accessed: 2026-07-04DVIDS Bradley loaded on C-5 GalaxyPublisher: DVIDS | Note: Supports Bradley Fighting Vehicle loading onto a C-5 Galaxy at Hunter Army Airfield on Dec. 6, 2023. | Accessed: 2026-07-04Army Vehicles Go Airborne As C-5 Shows Off Airlift Muscle Before AirshowPublisher: Air Reserve Personnel Center | Note: Supports M1A2 Abrams and JLTV loaded or transported aboard a C-5M in April 2024, with official U.S. Air Force imagery. | Accessed: 2026-07-04Wikimedia Commons M1 Abrams loaded on a C-5 Galaxy.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Public-domain U.S. Air Force image provenance for an M1A1 Abrams being loaded into a C-5M. | Accessed: 2026-07-04