Sep 10 1985
From The Space Library
The C-5's new B model made its first flight today from Dobbins Air Force Base, Georgia, climbing to 15,000 feet and cruising at 300 knots-an appropriate altitude and speed to determine airworthiness, the Air Force Systems Command (AFSC) Newsreview reported. Airborne for slightly more than three hours, the Galaxy began 55 hrs of production flight testing designed to evaluate its improved features. Evaluation would be shorter than usual for a newly designed aircraft because the C-5B only carried state-of-the-art features added to the already proven C-5A.
Col. Thomas Stover, acting C-5B director in Aeronautical System's Division (ASD) Deputy for Airlift and Trainer Systems, called the first flight a “key event . . . ushering in a significant improvement to our strategic airlift capability.” The nine-member crew alternately shut down and restarted each of the airlifter's four General Electric TF39-1C engines, which restarted without a hitch.
Production flight evaluation would include airborne testing of an improved onboard computer called MASAR II, the malfunction detection analysis and recording computer. Pilots would also evaluate the improved automatic flight control and landing gear actuation systems.
In October 1982 ASD awarded Lockheed Georgia a $50-million preliminary contract to begin C-5B production, and the first aircraft rolled out July 12, 1985. The Air Force had contract options to buy 50 C-5Bs, at total cost of $7.817 billion.
Military Airlift Command expected to receive its first B model by December, with delivery of the 50th expected near mid-1989. (AFSC Newsreview, Sept 27/85, 1)
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