Galaxy C-5M

[Ken D]

The local Richmond newspaper front cover story this week is a rumoured visit by a Galaxy C-5M (Super Galaxy) to Richmond in August (i think the 17 or 18, haven't got the paper in front of me).

[andrew evans]

Finger's crossed
http://covers.ruralpress.com/frontpages/44/15304.pdf

[Greg McDonald]

Would be great if anyone can get confirmation on this and possible times....

[Gerard M]

Definatly can't wait to get out there on monday!! Certainly not every day your going to see a Super galaxy.

Cheers

[andrew evans]

I second that Gerard

[Gerard M]

By the way thanks a million for the heads up Ken! :) Would have found out way too late otherwise!!!

So, if it turns out to be true, sounds like it will, should i get there early and get a spot or are not too many people going to be heading out?

[matthew mcdonald]

I will 100% be there.

[damien b]

From the outside a C-5M looks like a C-5A/B, its the inside and engines that has changed. Apart from checking the USAF registration, you'd never know whether it was a C-5A/B or a C-5M landing there on Monday.

[Peter Agatsiotis]

According to an aviation database that I use, they only have 2 C-5M with another 2 or 3 being modified. 86-0013 & 86-0025 are listed as C-5M.

Could be wromg but that's what it says.

[Gerard M]

The C-5M Super Galaxy climbs higher and faster than its legacy counterparts while carrying more cargo over longer distances. It also requires less tanker support and is projected to have a much higher mission availability rate due to increased reliability.
The C-5M is the product of a two-phase modernization effort. The first, the ongoing Avionics Modernization Program (AMP), provides a state-of-the-art glass cockpit with modern avionics and flight instruments that meet future Communication, Navigation, Surveillance and Air Traffic Management requirements. Lockheed Martin is under contract to perform AMP modifications on 111 C-5 aircraft.

The Reliability Enhancement and Re-Engining Program (RERP) is the second phase of the C-5 modernization effort. It includes 70 enhancements or replacements of major components and subsystems, including the installation of GE CF6-80C2 commercial engines. The new engine produces more than 50,000 lb. of thrust – a 22 percent increase and is Stage 4 noise compliant.

The program delivers value on top of capability, with modernization paying for itself through savings in operation and sustainment costs across the fleet.
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/products/c5/index.htmlDoes this mean that the C-5's very distinctive engine noise will have changed with the new engines?

[Mick.B]

Yep they are alot quieter and also the noise has changed to a more dull sound. They now meet stage 4 noise requirements.

[matthew mcdonald]

Does anybody have an arrival timne yet of the beast?

[Gareth Forwood]

It seems under that law that even photographing an aircraft belonging to the military is an offence, as an aircraft constitutes a fortification. It also defines the offence as relating to any defence installation <b><i>in Australia</b></i>, which I guess is meant to include foreign military aircraft...

[Gerard M]

It's possible to be charged ...your equipment can be destroyed as well.


Well, only if you get caught ;), but thats only one way of looking at it. I plan to keep a lowish profile anyway.

[Nathan Long]

My understanding is that the law only covers Australian aircraft/vehicles when they are inside the boundaries of a defence installation (i.e. inside the fence). Once they are outside the fence, they are fair game. Foreign aircraft are also fair game.

[Jethro H]

My understanding is that the law only covers Australian aircraft/vehicles when they are inside the boundaries of a defence installation (i.e. inside the fence). Once they are outside the fence, they are fair game. Foreign aircraft are also fair game.
I believe you are correct Nathan.
A few years ago I was asked to cover for the ABC a C-130 coming in late on a Sunday night with some mission (I can't remember the full story), but the approval for news coverage of this flight had not been granted yet from the Minister.

RAAF Police came out we were told us "You can film the C-130 as much as you like....until it's wheels touch Richmond's tarmac, then it's camera off!"
... which I did, as the RAAF Police were standing next to me at Clarendon.

In the last few years I have found Defence Media more open and quicker for approvals. But with foreign military stuff they can't actually help much.

Anyway, it would be nice just to watch another C5 again, it has been a while.

[Greg McDonald]

No word on when/if this is arriving?

[Peter Agatsiotis]

Reach 5E1 just transferred to approach - no contact on Mode-S yet but can't be far away.

[Grahame Hutchison]

Saw the Galaxy overhead Dee Why 10 minutes ago, on approach to Richmond.

[Ken D]

Just landed very quite, just did a 180 on the end of the runway.

[Gareth Forwood]

Landed on 28 - very impressive seeing it head-on as it did the 180. I'll post some pics when I get home.

[Gerard M]

Was an impressive sight to see it hanging in the sky on finals. Lets hope they keep bringing it out for a while at least!

[matthew mcdonald]

Here are my attempts:

[Gareth Forwood]

Very nice pics Matt!! Here are mine...

http://www.jetphotos.net/img/2/5/1/5/63433_1250484515.jpg

http://www.jetphotos.net/img/1/8/8/7/92659_1250484788.jpg

[Gerard M]

Great photos guys. Anyone heading out for its departure?

[matthew mcdonald]

When is it departing and what time. (Tomorrow)?

[Gerard M]

Cant give out specifics but i can point you to the RCH5E1 thread ;)

[matthew mcdonald]

Oh ok then I will be out for the departure then all day tomorroa again.
Where were you parked to se it arrive?

[Gerard M]

I was Just on the fence line on the main road. And seriously, they must have been a bit nervous or something because there were 6 police cars marked and unmarked cursing up and down the entire time.

[Nigel C]

Just looks like another Galaxy...:confused:

[matthew mcdonald]

I agree totally with you Nigel. Didnt look any different to ones I have seen before and it sounded identicle to a 744 when it landed.

[Gerard M]

I'm still a huge fan of the galaxy. But i have to say i'm very disappointed with the new engines and the lack of noise! No whine anymore. But still worth every bit!!

[Jeff T]

Nice shots Gareth and Matthew!

Would love to get out there for its departure myself, but after having two days off recently driving my Father for eye surgery, its a bit hard to have another one so soon.:(


Cheers,
Jeff.

[Seth Jaworski]

This is the main difference...

[Nigel C]

The blue carpet?

:p

[Seth Jaworski]

Ding ding! We have a winner!! :D

[Greg McDonald]

Departed 5 minutes ago.

[matthew mcdonald]

I was very lucky to be where I was when it departed as it departed much earlier than the usual Reach departure on Tuesdays:

[Gareth Forwood]

Great pics again mate, I wish I could've been there for the departure as well.

[Gerard M]

Is inbound again for RWY 10.

Contacting approach now.

I haven't been seeing it on PP today but it did appear yesterday. Is this due to the sbs users equipment or the aircraft?

[Drew H]

Could anyone tell me if it was the same aircraft that came in again yesterday, out again today? Sounded like the same voice, but I didn't get to see it to confirm :(

[matthew mcdonald]

Yep definately was. Do you know what time it departed.

[Gerard M]

Yep, was just doing the weekly RCH5E1 run with a slight deviation at the end. I believe it departed to Guam this afternoon at around 1245pm.