The United States Air Force (USAF) has some of the most advanced transport aircraft in the world. Two of the most popular planes are the C-5 Galaxy and the C-17 Globemaster III. These aircraft are designed to provide reliable, efficient, and safe transport services to the US military and other agencies.
In this article, we will compare the C-5 Galaxy and the C-17 Globemaster III in terms of their specifications, capabilities, and features. We will also explore some of the frequently asked questions about these aircraft.
C-5 Galaxy
The C-5 Galaxy is a heavy transport aircraft that was introduced in 1970. With a shape similar to that of a whale, it has become one of the most recognizable planes in the world. The C-5 Galaxy is manufactured by Lockheed Martin and has a maximum payload of 122,000 pounds.
Specifications
The C-5 Galaxy measures 247 feet long and 65 feet high, with a wingspan of 222 feet. It has four General Electric TF39 turbofan engines that produce 43,000 pounds of thrust each. The C-5 Galaxy has a top speed of 518 miles per hour and a range of 4,800 miles.
The plane can operate with a crew of six, including two pilots, a flight engineer, a navigator, and two loadmasters. It has a cargo compartment that measures 143 feet long, 19 feet wide, and 13.5 feet high. The C-5 Galaxy can transport a wide range of cargo, including vehicles, equipment, and personnel.
Capabilities
The C-5 Galaxy has the largest available cargo hold of any aircraft in the US military. Its cargo bay can be configured to carry up to 36 standard pallets, 81 troops, or 13 humvees. The plane is capable of carrying a variety of oversized cargo, including helicopters and tanks.
One of the unique features of the C-5 Galaxy is its ability to kneel down, which allows for easier loading and unloading of cargo. The aircraft can also operate from runways as short as 6,000 feet, making it suitable for use in smaller airports around the world.
C-17 Globemaster III
The C-17 Globemaster III is a strategic transport aircraft that was introduced in 1995. It is manufactured by Boeing and has a maximum payload of 170,900 pounds. The C-17 has been used extensively in recent years, including in the war in Afghanistan and in humanitarian missions around the world.
Specifications
The C-17 Globemaster III measures 174 feet long and 55 feet high, with a wingspan of 169 feet. It has four Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofan engines that produce 40,440 pounds of thrust each. The C-17 has a top speed of 590 miles per hour and a range of 2,400 miles.
The aircraft can be operated by a crew of three, including a pilot, copilot, and loadmaster. It has a cargo compartment that measures 88 feet long, 18 feet wide, and 12.5 feet high. The C-17 can transport a wide range of cargo, including vehicles, equipment, and personnel.
Capabilities
The C-17 Globemaster III is designed to provide rapid, flexible, and responsive strategic airlift. It has the ability to arrive and depart quickly from small airfields and can handle nearly any type of cargo. The C-17 can be configured for a variety of missions, including humanitarian aid, peacekeeping, and combat operations.
The aircraft has the ability to perform airdrops, which allows it to deliver cargo, equipment, and personnel to remote locations. The C-17 can also make low-altitude parachute extraction drops, which allows for rapid deployment of armored vehicles and troops.
Comparison
The C-5 Galaxy and the C-17 Globemaster III are both impressive aircraft with a wide range of capabilities. However, there are some key differences between the two planes.
Size: The C-5 Galaxy is significantly larger than the C-17 Globemaster III. The C-5 has a larger cargo hold, which makes it better suited for carrying large, heavy equipment.
Speed: The C-17 is faster than the C-5 Galaxy, with a top speed of 590 miles per hour compared to 518 miles per hour for the C-5.
Range: The C-5 Galaxy has a longer range than the C-17 Globemaster III, with a range of 4,800 miles compared to 2,400 miles for the C-17.
Payload: The C-17 can carry a slightly heavier payload than the C-5 Galaxy, with a maximum payload of 170,900 pounds compared to 122,000 pounds for the C-5.
FAQs
Q: Which aircraft is safer, the C-5 Galaxy or the C-17 Globemaster III?
A: Both the C-5 Galaxy and the C-17 Globemaster III are considered safe aircraft. The USAF has rigorous safety standards and maintenance programs for all of its planes.
Q: How many C-5 Galaxies and C-17 Globemaster IIIs are in service?
A: As of 2021, there are 52 active C-5 Galaxies and 223 active C-17 Globemaster IIIs in service with the USAF.
Q: Can the C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III operate from unimproved runways?
A: Yes, both aircraft are designed to operate from unimproved runways, which allows for greater flexibility in mission planning.
Conclusion
The C-5 Galaxy and the C-17 Globemaster III are two of the most advanced transport aircraft in the world. Although they have some similarities, they also have some key differences in terms of size, speed, range, and payload. Both planes are critical to the USAF’s mission of providing rapid, flexible, and reliable transport services to the military and other agencies.