Base flyers, mechanics prepare for Super Galaxy

  • Published
  • By Capt. Marnee A.C. Losurdo
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Dover Air Force Base is scheduled to receive its first C-5M Super Galaxy Feb. 9 and several Team Dover Airmen have been preparing for the arrival of the new and improved aircraft.

Over the past year, 436th and 512th Airlift Wing flyers and maintainers have not only been undergoing training, but have been writing and validating operating procedures, manuals and technical orders, which dictate how maintainers and flyers will fix and fly the modified C-5.

The C-5M Type One training at the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics plant in Marietta, Ga., is about three weeks and varies for the 709th Airlift Squadron aircrew and 512th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron mechanics.

Since January, 14 aircrew members have completed the training; however, 512th AMXS has been sending maintainers to the training since May 2008.

"We learn about the aircraft's upgraded systems and how they operate," said Lt. Col. Mike Semo, the C-5M Integration Project Manager and chief pilot.

In addition to learning about the aircraft's new engines, upgraded flight controls, hydraulic, electrical and fuel systems, the pilots undergo simulator training prior to flying the C-5M.

Meanwhile, the maintainers are trained on how to troubleshoot, operate and repair the updated systems on the aircraft, said Chief Master Sgt. Fred Eason, 512th AMXS maintenance superintendent. Upon their return, they will train the remainder of the squadron's mechanics, he added.

Before a C-5 can be dubbed a C-5M Super Galaxy, the aircraft is upgraded in two phases beginning with the Aircraft Modernization Program here and at Travis AFB, Calif. The aircraft receives a modernized glass cockpit and avionics upgrade, featuring a digital all-weather flight control system and autopilot, a new communications suite, flat panel displays, and enhanced navigation and safety equipment.

The second upgrade is the Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program at the Lockheed Martin plant in Marietta, Ga. This program replaces the old engines with quieter and more powerful General Electric CF-6 engines. The aircraft also undergoes 55 system and equipment improvements to increase the C-5's reliability. Some of the modifications include improvements to the airframe structure, flight controls, and hydraulic, electrical and fuel systems.

Because of their experience with the AMP and flying the C-5, Reserve aircrew members and maintainers have established many of the written procedures and training requirements for the modernized airlifter, said Chief Master Sgt. Donald Cunningham, who underwent Type One training and is part of the team overseeing AMP and RERP modifications at Dover. He has been involved with the C-5M project for two years.

Since May 2008, 10 Liberty Wing maintainers have went to the Marietta plant for training and to verify and validate technical orders for the C-5 M.

"For every task there is a technical order," said Chief Eason. "By having validated the technical orders and ensuring they are correct, we are not taking mechanics down the wrong road while maintaining the aircraft, which saves time and money and ensures a safe, operational aircraft."

"The 512th brings a lot to this program due to our experience," said Chief Cunningham who has been flying on the C-5 for 30 years and has more than 8,500 flight hours. "By combining this experience with the 436th Airlift Wing's resources we will be able to make this project successful, and the aircraft will perform and meet the increasing demands for worldwide airlift."

In August, Chief Cunningham flew on the C-5M that's being delivered to Dover AFB and can testify to the aircraft's capabilities.

"It flies like a rocket," said the chief. "There is so much performance capability now. It can take off on shorter airfields, climb faster, carry more weight, and deliver cargo extreme distances, which all fits into the Air Force's rapid deployment policy."

Dover will receive its second C-5M Feb. 13. The Reserve's 709th AS and the active duty's 9th AS will spend the next six months familiarizing themselves with the C-5M, training on aerial refueling, tactics and maintaining currency, said Colonel Semo.

In August, the C-5Ms are scheduled to begin operational testing and evaluation. Currently, all C-5s in the Air Force inventory are undergoing AMP modifications. At the completion of the testing and evaluation of the C-5Ms here, 51 C-5s are scheduled to undergo RERP finishing their conversion to the Super Galaxy.

Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, commander of the Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., will deliver the Super Galaxy during a ceremony at 2 p.m. at Building 706.