Lockheed C-5 Galaxy
Lockheed Martin · In service — USAF, modernised as C-5M
Length75.31 m
Wingspan67.89 m
Height19.85 m
MTOW381,024 kg
What it means
The category, explained
A military airlifter has to do two contradictory things: fly intercontinental distances with a strategic payload, then land on a short, unpaved strip and unload without ground equipment. High wings, ramps, and enormous multi-wheel landing gear are the standard answers.
The C-5 Galaxy and the C-17 Globemaster III between them define Western heavy lift, and both are regularly the first aircraft into a disaster zone. They are the reason a 60-tonne tank or an entire field hospital can cross the world overnight.
The aircraft
Full specification →
Every military transport here
Silhouettes are sized by real wingspan — bigger aircraft draw bigger.
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Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
Boeing · In service worldwide
Length53.04 m
Wingspan51.75 m
Height16.80 m
MTOW265,352 kg
Side by side
Ranked by length
| Aircraft | Length | Wingspan | First flight | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lockheed C-5 Galaxy | 75.31 m | 67.89 m | 1968 | In service — USAF, modernised as C-5M |
| Boeing C-17 Globemaster III | 53.04 m | 51.75 m | 1991 | In service worldwide |