The Unrivaled Capabilities Of The Massive C-5M Super Galaxy – SlashGear

Guinness World Records states that Earth’s largest aircraft by wingspan is the Stratolaunch, which flexed its absurd 385-foot (117.35 meters) wingspan for the first time in May 2017. The Super Galaxy isn’t quite that large, at almost 223 feet (67.9 meters) from wingtip to wingtip and standing 65 feet (19.84 meters) tall, but it’s an imposing sight indeed and the largest aircraft in the United States Air Force.

The Super Galaxy began life as the C5-A Galaxy, a Lockheed behemoth that was intended for long-distance transport of cargo and lots of it. In January 1970, The Times-News reported that only ten of what was intended to be a fleet of 81 (a total already cut down as costs mounted) C5s were complete when a design flaw came to light: cracks in the wings, seemingly caused by its unique design — a lower fuselage and high-mounted wings allowing for quick storing and removal of cargo — were at fault.

The C5-B was the result of an additional $1.4 billion investment, an improved aircraft with secure wings, and numerous other upgrades besides. Before 1990, C5-Bs had been joined by two C5-Cs, which were adapted for space shuttle cargo by increasing space inside and access door size. Just under a decade later, the existing aircraft were modified further to become the C-5M Super Galaxy.