Strategic Airlift Modernization: Analysis of C-5 Modernization and C-17 Acquisition Issues

Abstract

Strategic airlift has played a pivotal role in U.S. national security strategy since World War II. Since then, strategic airlift has provided timely worldwide reach for both combat and humanitarian relief operations. The Department of Defense (DOD) currently operates a mix of C-5 and C-17 aircraft. C-5s were built in two production batches, designated the C-5A and C-5B, respectively. A total of 52 C-5s are scheduled to undergo two major modification programs, after which they will be redesignated C-5M Super Galaxies; the remaining 59 C-5s will a major avionics upgrade. C-17s are currently in production, but the C-17 production line is scheduled to close unless additional orders are placed in an anticipated FY2008 supplemental appropriations bill. A major issue currently before Congress is how big should the strategic airlift fleet be. There is a consensus among policy makers that the DOD must maintain a robust and effective strategic airlift fleet.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 15, 2008
Accession Number
ADA486488

Entities

People

  • Christopher Bolkcom
  • William Knight

Organizations

  • Library of Congress

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Biomedical
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Transportation
  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Aircraft Industry
  • Airframes
  • Cargo Aircraft
  • Combatant Commanders
  • Commercial Aircraft
  • Deployment
  • Military Applications
  • Military Force Levels
  • National Security
  • Tanker Aircraft
  • Transport Aircraft
  • United States Africa Command
  • United States Transportation Command
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Aerospace logistics and air mobility.
  • Public Financial Management and Budgeting
  • Strategic Security Studies