Do you like some military aviation trivia? What kind of aircraft is this?
Right, it’s a Lockheed C-5 Galaxy – but not a common one! This is a Lockheed C-5C Galaxy and only one of just two in the world. The C-5C features more cargo capacity than A and B models due to removal of the entire passenger compartment floor. Each of the two C-5C aircraft is assigned to Travis Air Force Base, Calif. and operated by U.S. Air Force crews for NASA. Both aircraft will eventually be modernized to become the C-5M Super Galaxy. The aircraft is seen here at the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, Calif., during maintenance in May 2013.
The two “C” – models (68-0213 and 68-0216) were modified to accommodate large payloads, such as satellites. The modifications additionaly include a splitting of the rear cargo door in the middle and installation of a new movable aft bulkhead further to the rear. The official C-5 technical manual refers to the version as C-5A(SCM) Space Cargo Modification. Modifications also included adding a second inlet for ground power, which can feed any power-dependent equipment that may form part of the cargo. 68-0216 already completed the Avionics Modernization Program in January 2007.
Image (c) Lockheed Martin