Lockheed Martin Equips USAF C-5 Fleet With Navigation Capabilities

Lockheed Martin [LMT] has begun field installations of its Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) kits into the U.S. Air Force’s fleet of C-5 Galaxy strategic airlifters. Each AMP kit includes a Honeywell embedded global positioning/inertial navigation system and Rockwell Collins multimode receivers that add satellite communications and a high-frequency data link.

The AMP technology replaces analog cockpit instruments with digital equipment, allowing for improved message transmission around the world via satellite. The improved communications and navigational avionics will enable the C-5 aircraft to comply with Global Air Traffic Management (GATM) requirements, which are new standards in international aircraft control. Air Force crews will benefit from the ability to fly the C-5 aircraft without restriction anywhere in the world.

The USAF plans to modify all 112 aircraft in the C-5 fleet during the next several years.