Documents
United States Lockheed Martin
C-5M Super Galaxy
Re-engined and modernized version of the C-5 Galaxy, the largest strategic transport aircraft in the U.S. Air Force inventory, capable of carrying oversized cargo like main battle tanks across intercontinental distances.
In service since 2013 · 1 operator countries
Compiled from public sources ·primary reference ↗ ·last verified 2026-07-02
917
km/h
12,800
km range
10,600
m ceiling
Procurement snapshot
Availability & export
US ITAR-controlled
Export needs U.S. State Dept (DDTC) approval; end-use & re-transfer restrictions apply.
Channel: Foreign Military Sales (FMS) or Direct Commercial Sale
Fielded & proven
Limited · 1 operator
In service since 2013. Status: active · ~52 built.
Lifecycle cost (est.)
No public unit price to model from. Why so few systems publish one →
Interoperability
No standardised NATO calibre / datalink detected in public specs.
Derived guidance from public data, export regime by country of origin, lifecycle from the GAO ~30% acquisition rule. Verify eligibility, pricing and offsets with the manufacturer and your acquisition authority.
Full specifications
Performance
Speed, range, altitude and engagement capability.
| Max speed Maximum level speed. For aircraft this is at optimal altitude; for ground vehicles, top road speed. Higher means faster response and better kinematic performance. | 917 km/h |
|---|---|
| Cruise speed Sustained economical speed. Determines transit time to station. | 830 km/h |
| Range Maximum distance: ferry range for aircraft, operational range for vehicles, maximum engagement distance for missiles. Higher means more standoff or persistence. | 12,800 km |
| Service ceiling Maximum operating altitude. Higher gives energy advantage and sensor horizon. | 10,600 m |
Physical
Dimensions, weight and crew.
| Length Overall length including gun/probe where applicable. | 75.3 m |
|---|---|
| Wingspan Wingtip-to-wingtip span. | 67.9 m |
| Height Overall height. Lower profile is harder to spot and hit for ground vehicles. | 19.85 m |
| Empty weight Weight without fuel, ammunition or crew. | 188,146 kg |
| Combat weight Fully loaded weight. Lighter eases transport and bridging limits; heavier often means more armor. | 381,024 kg |
| Crew Personnel required to operate. Fewer reduces exposure; autoloaders trade a loader for mechanical complexity. | 7 |
| Cargo payload Maximum cargo the transport can carry. Higher means more lift per sortie. | 129,274 kg |
| Troop capacity Number of embarked troops/passengers (IFV, APC, transport). Higher carries more. | 73 |
Propulsion
Engine, power and fuel.
| Engine Powerplant model and type. | General Electric CF6-80C2 turbofan |
|---|---|
| Engines Number of engines. Twin-engine gives redundancy at higher cost. | 4 |
| Thrust Total engine thrust (with afterburner where applicable). | 227 kN |
| Propulsion type Turbofan, turboshaft, diesel, gas turbine, solid-fuel rocket, ramjet… | Turbofan |
Program
Cost, production scale and operators.
| Units built Total production run. Higher means proven manufacturing, mature logistics and spares availability. | 52 |
|---|---|
| Operator countries Number of countries operating the system. More operators means broader support ecosystem. | 1 |
Specifications compiled from public Lockheed Martin and reference sources ↗. Published defense figures are approximations, treat comparisons as directional. Last verified 2026-07-02.
Compare with rivals
See how it stacks up
Airbus Defence and Space A330 MRTT Head-to-head comparisons
C-5M Super Galaxy vs
Y-20 
Il-76MD-90A Frequently asked questions
What is the top speed of the Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy? +
The Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy has a maximum speed of 917 km/h.
What is the range of the Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy? +
The Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy has a maximum range of 12,800 km.
How much does the Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy weigh? +
The Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy has a combat weight of 381,024 kg.
How many crew does the Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy require? +
The Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy requires a crew of 7.
What engine does the Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy use? +
The Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy is powered by the General Electric CF6-80C2 turbofan.
How many countries operate the Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy? +
The Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy is operated by 1 countries.
Similar systems
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Boeing
KC-46 Pegasus
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C-130J Super Hercules
Boeing
C-17 Globemaster III
Related coverage
C-5M Super Galaxy in the news
Article comparison · Aug 6, 2026
The C-17 Hauls 7x More Cargo Per Km Than the KC-46
The C-17 moves 7x more cargo per km of range than the KC-46 Pegasus, not because it's a better airlifter, but because tankers spend their weight budget on fuel.
Article guide · Jul 10, 2026
Military Transport Aircraft Cargo Capacity, Ranked
The C-5M Super Galaxy still carries 129,274 kg, 63,274 kg more than China's newest airlifter, the Y-20, despite a 1970s airframe.