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TheLockheed C-5 Galaxyis a largemilitary transport aircraftdesigned and built byLockheed, and now maintained and upgraded by its successor,Lockheed Martin. It provides theUnited States Air Force(USAF) with a heavy intercontinental-rangestrategic airliftcapability, one that can carryoutsizedand oversized loads, including all air-certifiable cargo. The Galaxy has many similarities to the smallerLockheed C-141 Starlifterand the laterBoeing C-17 Globemaster III. The C-5 is among thelargestmilitary aircraftin the world.

The C-5 Galaxy's development was complicated, including significantcost overruns, and Lockheed suffered significant financial difficulties. Shortly after entering service, cracks in the wings of many aircraft were discovered and the C-5 fleet was restricted in capability until corrective work was completed. TheC-5M Super Galaxyis an upgraded version with new engines and modernized avionics designed to extend its service life to 2040 and beyond.

The USAF has operated the C-5 since 1969. In that time, the airlifter supported US military operations in all major conflicts including Vietnam, Iraq, Yugoslavia, and Afghanistan, as well as allied support, such as Israel during the Yom Kippur War and operations in the Gulf War. The Galaxy has also distributed humanitarian aid, provided disaster relief, and supported the US space program.