By Jen DiMascio
The defense acquisition chief yesterday announced he has certified the C-5 Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program (RERP) for continuation.
John Young signed an order certifying 49 remaining C-5B-model and C-model aircraft. Three other C-5s have already been modified, according to an Air Force spokeswoman.
C-5A model aircraft, many of which the service has sought to retire, will run through the Avionics Modernization Program (AMP), the spokeswoman said.
The certification will allow the service to sign a production contract with Lockheed Martin [LMT] to proceed with the initiative before the company’s fixed-priced proposal expires at the end of February.
The Air Force has 60 C-5As, 49 C-5Bs and two C-5C models. Already two C-5Bs and one A model are flying both with the RERP and new avionics upgrades. These three aircraft are designated C-5M Super Galaxies. A total of 28 C-5s are already fitted with the new avionics (Defense Daily, Oct. 1, 2007).