Only one location worldwide offers a C-5 aircraft for permanent public viewing: the Air Mobility Command Museum located on Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.

C-5s Serve as the Air Force's Premier Strategic Cargo Lifters

Any C-5 impresses visitors immediately. These giants rank as the largest planes in the US Air Force inventory and excel at transporting tanks, missiles, helicopters plus other heavy loads across global distances.

The museum showcases far more than an ordinary C-5. Its C-5A Galaxy holds the unique distinction as the sole aircraft ever to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile while airborne.

I toured the facility in May alongside Michael Hurlburt, the museum operations manager and Air Force veteran, to explore this remarkable aircraft up close.

The Original C-5A Galaxy Began Operations in 1970

Early C-5A models transported as much as 264440 pounds of freight in the main hold along with 73 passengers above. The airframe stretches beyond 247 feet in length with a wingspan exceeding 222 feet and reaches top speeds of 601 miles per hour.

Modern C-5M Super Galaxy Models Incorporate Major Upgrades

Starting in 1998 the entire C-5 fleet received extensive modernization. Digital systems replaced analog avionics while new engines delivered 22 percent greater thrust with reduced noise. The final C-5A retired in 2017 and surviving aircraft now operate as C-5M Super Galaxies capable of hauling 281001 pounds maximum.

The Museum Preserves the Only Public C-5 Anywhere

The displayed C-5A Galaxy serial 69-0014 arrived at Dover in 1973 and entered the museum collection in 2013 as the first retired example. Occasional air show appearances occur elsewhere yet this remains the single permanently accessible C-5.

Visitors Explore the Open Cargo Bay on Guided Tours

The spacious hold welcomes tour groups year round. Cockpit access occurs only during monthly Open Cockpit Days when special equipment reaches the upper deck 65 feet high. Entry to the museum costs nothing.

Swiveling Landing Gear Enables Tight Maneuvers

The massive gear pivots and turns allowing the huge plane to execute turns within its own footprint and operate from runways just 6000 feet long.

A Displayed Missile Honors the Historic In-Flight Launch

On October 24 1974 this exact aircraft released a Minuteman ICBM over the Pacific during a successful test. The missile climbed 20000 feet after release. Although the program ended the capability supported arms negotiations with the Soviet Union.

A Scale Model Highlights Aviation Progress

Inside the cargo bay a model of the Wright Flyer hangs from the ceiling. The distance to an American flag on the opposite wall equals the Wright brothers first flight length of nearly 120 feet. The C-5 cargo bay itself measures 143 feet 9 inches.

Visual Comparisons Illustrate Enormous Capacity

The aircraft accommodates six city buses seven Huey helicopters two Abrams tanks or over 25 million ping-pong balls. Presidential support missions often position Marine One helicopters via C-5 ahead of Air Force One arrivals. Wiring throughout totals 103 miles exceeding Delaware state length.

Front and Rear Ramps Permit Simultaneous Loading

Dual cargo doors allow vehicles to drive directly aboard while chains rated to 25000 pounds secure heavy items. Pallets weighing up to 10000 pounds each roll along adjustable floor tracks that convert the hold between vehicle and container modes in minutes.

Wall Platforms Aid Movement Around Oversize Loads

Elevated walkways along the sides let crew navigate when tanks or helicopters fill the center space.

A Wing Section Reveals Massive Internal Fuel Tanks

A displayed outboard wing section shows the 12 tanks that hold 51150 gallons of fuel across both wings.