Aviation
Cargo Planes
Scroll through this page to learn more about cargo planes! Learn about the C-5M Super Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster III, C-130J Super Hercules, KC-46 Pegasus (and the KC-135 Stratotanker)
C-5M Super Galaxy
The American Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy is an upgraded quad turbofan cargo plane derived from the 1970 introduced C-5A Galaxy (along with the B and C variants). The C-5M models is the newest model which entered service in 2014 with extended range, better performance, and updated technology. This airplane is considered one of the largest aircraft in the world with a wingspan of nearly 230 feet and a height of about 65 feet.
Did you know that: 1) the total amount of paint on the C-5 is equivalent to 2,600 pounds (1..3 tons); 2) the first flight of the Wright brothers was less than the length of the C-5's cargo floor; 3) there is more than 100 miles of wiring in the C-5; 4) the plane can open from the front and the back; 5) the C-5 carries 49,000 gallons of fuel, allowing the average American car to travel around the word 31 times!
C-17 Globemaster III
The American McDonnell Douglas/ Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is an upgraded quad turbofan cargo plane derived from the older C-74 and C-124 (Globemaster I and II respectively) that entered service in 1995. The plane has the role of not only as a tactical and strategic airlifter, but also as an aeromedical evacuator and airdropper. It has a maximum payload of 172,000 pounds and a maximum takeoff weight of 585,000 pounds. The payload can be 102 troops, 35 stretchers, 50 ambulatory patients, 18 pallets of cargo, or a combination of the above.
Did you know that: 1) there have been about 300 C-17's produced; 2) these planes also carry the presidents limosene and security while the president travel within and outside the US; 3) this plane has come inIron Man 1 &2, Godzilla, Marvel Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and much more; 4) this plane was used to deploy 1000 paratroops into a live combat zone and it has broken 22 payload records!
C-130J Super Hercules
The American Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules is a quad turboprop engine which entered service in 1999. This plane was made from the earlier C-130A Hercules (along with the E and H varients) and it improved its engines, flight deck, and other systems. The C-130J has been modified into multiple uses such as the regular C-130J (for military operations and used by the Blue Angels), C-130J-30 (longer cargo deck), EC-130J (used for information, psychological, and civil affairs operations), AC-130 (gunship), and HC-130J (with longer range, speed, and altitude for the coast guard).
Did you know that: 1) as mentioned above, the C-130(J) has many roles such as airborne assault, search and rescue, maritime patrol, aerial refueling, aerial firefighting, weather reconnaissance, and scientific research and around 40 variants of the C-130 have been manufactured; 2) the Blue Angels probably wouldn't be able to function without the C-130!
KC-46 Pegasus (and KC-135 Stratotanker)
The American Boeing KC-46 Pegasus dual turbofan cargo plane is an 2019 plane replacing the old KC-135 Stratotanker (with greater fuel efficiency and speed; image on the right). Its main purpose is as an aieral refueling plane (K) and a transport aircraft (C). It can carry 18 pallets of cargo, 58 patients (24 stretchers), cargo of up to 65,000 pounds, or transfer fuel of 208,000 pounds. The plane was designed from the Boeing 737 (as the KC-135 was from the 707).
Did you know that: 1) unlike the KC-135, the KC-46 has a 3D display at the front of the aircraft to handle refueling operations; 2) this aircraft has a refueling boom (powered by a fly-by-wire system), a hose and drogue system, and WARP's (wing aerial refueling pods)!