The Lockheed C-5A Galaxy revolutionized strategic airlift as the world's largest military transport aircraft when it first flew on June 30, 1968. This high-wing, four-engine turbofan transport could carry 270,000 pounds of outsized cargo including tanks and helicopters across intercontinental distances. Stretching 247 feet 10 inches in length with a 222-foot 8-inch wingspan, the Galaxy dwarfed all previous military transports. Lockheed Aircraft Corporation built 81 C-5As at their Marietta, Georgia facility between 1968 and 1973.
View in Encyclopedia| HEX CODE | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States Air Force | — | 500-0065 | United States | ae0548 | |
| United States Air Force | — | 500-0075 | United States | ae0552 |