McConnell tanker refuels new C-5M 'Super Galaxy' test aircraft

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica Lockoski
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNEELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  A McConnell KC-135 Stratotanker executed the first operational refueling of a fully upgraded C-5M Super Galaxy test aircraft on Dec. 3. 

The Lockheed Martin C-5M test aircraft is one of only three Air Force wide, equipped with enhancements such as CF6 engines, pylons and auxiliary power units and a modernized cockpit with a digital, all-weather flight control system with autopilot.

The two aircrafts spent one and a half hours refueling at different fuel weight levels, practicing refueling approaches and emergency separations.

"The refueling mission went pretty well," said Lt. Col. Christopher Lindell, 418th Flight Test Squadron, Det. 4 commander, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. "This is the first time we have conducted it in an operationally representative manner with no flight test nose boom installed." 

Previous to the operational refueling mission, the C-5M had only practiced refueling techniques with a 22-foot long, 300 pound, instrumental test nose boom. This allowed analyst to monitor the stability and control of the air flow in front of the C-5M's bow wave. 

The C-5M in-flight testing is based out of a Lockheed Martin Facility in Marietta, Ga. with additional testing at Edwards Air Force Base. 

"There were hurdles," said Colonel Lindell. "We were concerned about yaw buildup (side to side movement on the aircraft's vertical axis), slow thrust reverser deployment, and engine spool time."

The new engines on the upgraded model produce 22 percent more thrust resulting in a 30 percent shorter take-off roll and more than a 50 percent higher climb rate. These new abilities will increase cargo load of the aircraft and the distance between refueling needs. Some missions may no longer need in-flight refueling.

"Because the C-5 is a larger aircraft, if it flies in the refueling envelope and loses placement from where it needs to be refueled, it will have to work a lot harder to get back to that spot," said Master Sgt. Paul Wallace, 22nd Operations Group stand and evaluations boom operator. "With the new engines and more thrust, the C-5M was a lot more responsive at recovering to receive fuel."

The 45 passengers aboard the C-5M observing the refueling included Airmen and Department of Defense employees from the Air Force Flight Test Center, Air Force and Air Mobility Command's Operational Test and Evaluation Center, test pilots from Air Force Material Command and analysts from Lockheed Martin. 

After refueling in the skies over the Midwest, the C-5M received additional refueling from a KC-10 Extender, and will also fly to Guam, Australia, Alaska, Colorado and Wisconsin to conduct further testing in tropical, extreme hot and cold, high altitude and snowy climates.

"It's pretty cool to be a part of this history," said Senior Master Sgt. Mike Morris, 22nd Operations Group stand and evaluations boom operator, who also refueled the C-5M. 
"Though it's not a new aircraft, with it being newly re-engined, the Air Force is looking to be able to use this aircraft for another 30 or 40 years. Just by hearing the feedback from the test pilots, it's monumental what the Air Force will get out of it."