Newer C-5s to get upgrades

[unhappycamper]

Newer C-5s to get upgrades
By Nicole Gaudiano - Gannett News Service
Posted : Wednesday Feb 20, 2008 6:49:48 EST

The Air Force is moving forward with a scaled-back version of its C-5 modernization program, upgrading 49 of its newer model transport aircraft by 2014 while canceling plans to fully upgrade 59 older models.

The Galaxys approved for improved avionics and new engines include the 47 C-5Bs used for intertheater airlift and two C-5Cs used for domestic missions. The older C-5As will still get improved avionics but not new engines.

The decision saves $9.8 billion in a program recently cited for being over budget.

“This is a fiscally responsible decision at a time of huge budget deficits and when our armed forces depend on strategic airlift to deliver cargo and troops needed to defend our country and its interests,” said Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del., who represents Dover Air Force Base.

The upgrades came under review in October when the Air Force announced that the re-engining program had tripped cost-overrun limits set in the so-called Nunn-McCurdy provision, a procurement oversight law that requires the Pentagon to notify Congress about cost increases on major acquisition programs when they exceed 15 percent or when schedule delays reach six months. If the cost overruns hit 25 percent, the Pentagon must justify continuing the program based on three main criteria: its importance to U.S. national security; the lack of a viable alternative; and evidence that the problems that led to the cost growth are under control.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/02/gns_galaxy_upgrades_080220w/