Lockheed Martin will soon begin the reliability enhancement and re-engineering programme (RERP) on the third C-5 Galaxy strategic airlifter for the US Air Force.

With the completion of the modifications, the aircraft will become the sixth C-5M to support the USAF’s strategic airlift requirements in mid 2011.

Lockheed Martin says the modifications will convert the aircraft into a C-5M Super Galaxy, which includes over 70 improvements and upgrades to the C-5 airframe and aircraft systems.

It will also include the installation of new higher-thrust turbofan engines.

Under current USAF plans, Lockheed will deliver 52 C-5Ms, modernised versions of 49 C-5Bs, two C-5Cs and one C-5A by 2016.