C-5 Galaxy - A vs B vs M

The USAF C-5 Galaxy in all 3 guises departing Prestwick Airport, Scotland. This is one of the world's largest aircraft and is used by the United States Air Force (USAF) for Strategic Airlift.
The C-5A was first made in 1969, the C-5B in 1986 and modifications of existing planes to C-5M in 1998.
As they get newer, the engines get quieter, so in reverse order of loudness we have:
1. C-5M Super Galaxy - Prestwick Airport - 20th October 2015
2. C-5A Galaxy - Prestwick Airport - 28th November 2011
3. C-5B Galaxy - Prestwick Airport - 12th February 2016

[@american101]

The A and B models have a special place in my heart as they were equipped with the screaming TF39s which to this day are one of my top favorite jet engines ever made!

[@johnhowe6721]

Got to love the sound of the original engines, not talking performance or economy, just sound.

[@JimRamsayJWR]

Totally agree, awesome and unique sound

[@vinnynj78]

No sound like it anywhere

[@craigcampbell7638]

I grew up less than a mile from the runway at Norfolk operations base I believe it's called Chambers field. And where I lived the landing gear would come down and so you would hear that mechanical Hydraulics opening the door and then dropping the landing gear Mains and it was was so intense you thought something broke. And as a little boy the original c-5a engines would give you plenty of warning that the plane was coming so you could run outside and look at it. Nowadays the C5 can fly over and I hardly ever notice them anymore they're so quiet.

[@JishyFishy4106]

@@JimRamsayJWR Even I agree. They MUST preserve some of the tf39's

[@Gudolboybambam03]

Agreed, i loved hearing them, always reminds me of home, i lived right down the road from Lackland AFB

[@davetello3764]

Those original screamers were perfect for the C-5. I was a little kid when we first saw it at its introduction, it sounded as awesome as it looked. No one had seen or heard anything like that giant plane with the giant roar.

[@longlakeshore]

Love the metallic/meat grinder sound of the old TF39s. I could always tell when one was flying over without leaving the house.

[@stephanyortiz6001]

The original sound brings back so many memories. It's comforting to me, all I hear when ever I see a C5 take off, and that original C5 sound, is AMERICA.

[@expfighter5112]

Love the A's and B's, that sound makes me cry because I remember going to Saudi sitting up top of a C5-A going to War. The M models, bleck sound like any everyday jet, bleck!

[@bugfreezer]

I like that you included the beginning of the takeoff runs. I love hearing the TF-39s transition from a shriek to the howl. Well done!

[@rawblow4512]

I was standing on the flight line once with my dad at TAFB in the mid 1980’s about where that SUV was parked @2:55 in relation and watching a C5 take off, that is one moment i will never forget until the day i die and i think about it every day, as a teenager it was scary as hell but also beautiful. The C5 was a B model i think with the camo paint

[@trob0914]

Boy, you can’t help but notice that original howl, those new CFMs are nice but I kind of miss that howl! Very nice video.

[@mercTV1]

I flew on her for 6 yrs God I miss her😢 Some of the best times of my life was on the Charlie 5: Travis AFB 22AS 02-08 Load

[@Sacto1654]

Alas, I'm going to miss the C-5A/B models with one of the most distinctive sounding airplane engines in the world. When it flies over you, you first hear the distinct growl of the front fan blades and as it passed over you, the sound changes to that of the the high-pitched engine whine. The C-5M--since it uses essentially the same engines found on the 747-400--sounds exactly like a 747-400, too.

[@MrBerkelyjest]

Those original C5 engines are gangsta! Love that sound!

[@gcbranger1189]

the goosebumps start at 1:11. best engine sound there ever was!

[@Jerubarbaruah]

I Worked on Fred in the early aughts, and I do not miss that scream. It just permeated everything on base. It was unescapable. Cannot deny how iconic the sound is though.

[@MartinP1214]

That second take off reminds me of the sounds I heard while living near CAFB back in the seventies!

[@glasglas6841]

Live just outside of Fort Campbell 2021 C-5a still flying overhead. I hear those tf-39 at least once a week. Wow.

[@NobleOmnicide]

There was just something so cool about the original sound of the C-5. I'm glad I got to experience it first hand.

[@brandonfritz7672]

Just the sound of those TF-39s make the C5 A&B galaxy's sound menacing

[@sgast4264]

A’s and B’s are an amazing sound. I was a hydraulics guy at Travis in the late 80’s. Used to go and just watch them take off and land.

[@MrErictyrones]

I remember as a child living in Germany 🇩🇪 my Omas place was right in line with Rammstein. I could here the C-5 coming long before it was over her place. Similar but not he same as an L1011 that deep growl you could hear it coming. I would run outside to see it. It and the B-52 were my faves while my Daddy was in the USAF.

[@bmace72v1]

FYI there is no difference between the A & B's engines; both use the exact same TF-39 engine. It's a distinct sound that is going to be missed.

[@fighter5583]

I know :( Now it sounds like a generic airliner taking off

[@TrainSounds]

bmace72v1 they should've rebuild the TF-39 instead, and we currently have at least 6 of the TF-39 powered engines left.

[@superskullmaster]

Well technically there are differences. But they aren't much to speak on.

[@StrongEnough78]

Yeah seeing that C5 M taking off. The sound was just all wrong for that plane. I just wish they would have kept one or two C5's with the TF39's for enthusiasts at air shows and super bowl fly overs. Everyone even civilains like myself knew that plane was near by just by the sound. I have great memories hearing that plane fly over.

[@Inspadave]

better performance > awesome sound

[@mikebrown614]

My Grandparent's house in Bowers Beach, Delaware was directly under the flightpath of the C-5s orbiting and landing/taking off at Dover Air Force Base. My earliest memories were those behemoths thundering overhead at all hours, with Granddad standing on the porch telling us that they were "One-thousand-fifty-two feet up" or some other arbitrary figure. It never occurred to me until recently that my childhood was so unique in that very few others experienced the privilege of seeing these monstrous machines landing and taking off from one of the most active Air Force bases in the world........... It makes the utterances from my Grandfather all the more poingnant, and his passing all the more painful.......

[@Tuglife912]

You gotta love the sound of those old General Electric TF39 High Bypass Turbofan Engines on the Lockheed C-5A and C-5B Galaxy when compared to the new GE F138s of the Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy

[@XL883CNick]

Wow that sound brings back memories of when dad would take me to the base for what ever and that sound was in the background with the C5 and 141's out of Norton AFB in Berdoo.

[@starwind7041]

I remember going to the old James connelly Air base in Waco Texas in the 80's. Those C-5's would constantly come in there and practice touch and goes!! We would park right at the end of the runway!

[@EDDTSpotter]

In the C-5A video, you can even hear the thrust reduction at such a distance... Unfortunately never got to hear those TF39s in real life :/ But I'm happy, it's well documented by great videos like this one :)

[@jimberg4917]

The TF-39 has a half fan prior to the second stage of the N1. That is what makes the distinctive scream.

[@rescuav8tor]

The second C5 called an A model appears to actually be a B model. The Antenna on the nose is squared off where on the A it had a delta shape..Of course that could have changed. The real difference is not noticeable from the outside. The A had x-wind landing gear where the B did not. The A had Fire bottles in the cargo compartment, the B did not...and as stated previously, both A and B used the same engines. As far as I know, the C5 is the only plane to ever use the GETF-39 engines...an awesome sound that will be missed.

[@devas522]

C-5A that's a screamer love it

[@pauljohnson3340]

When they revved the old engines up to full power, it sounded like a ghost. Beautiful sound.

[@GeneralKenobiSIYE]

I like they finally have better engine, but there was just something about the old engines that was just so cool. We'd hear them often flying overhead in San Antonio as they headed in and out of Kelly and Lackland AFBs. I always thought they looked like they were just hanging in midair.

[@1TheShawnster]

I may only get to hear that scream in recordings now, but it's interesting how perfectly tuned to it my tinnitus is.

[@HarryTurnbull-l3y]

Well done Jim keep them comming in

[@JimRamsayJWR]

Hope you are well Harry not seen you at the airports for a while?

[@HarryTurnbull-l3y]

@ hi Jim I’ve not been visiting the airports my health isn’t so good now need to use a sit down frame but my daughter Louise has taken up she visits the airports n takes good photos too see you soon from harry Turnbull

[@JimRamsayJWR]

@@HarryTurnbull-l3y Sorry to hear that Harry, we have missed you and the Ayrshire lads!

[@JimRamsayJWR]

@@HarryTurnbull-l3y Sorry to hear that Harry, we miss you and your pal Ross! I have met Lou at Glasgow Airport!!

[@billyreynolds4749]

Great video Jim!! Thanks for making it!

[@ArmyPL1981]

Both A/B we're awesome especially if you flown on one. Those TF39's would scream. 🇺🇸

[@sultanghazi9652]

still the old engines have strong sound . I heard that first time in 96 at King Abdullaziz Basement in Dharan . I like that sound ...wow

Flew the A in 1982, back home from Incirlik AFB

[@djbigsmooth470]

My family was there in 79-80. We flew on those and the C-141s. You could hear the sound of the C-5 through the whole base.

[@dreadscott533]

C-5A (Original Engines) hands down!

[@TrainCrazy.]

You just cannot beat the sound of the original engines....it's a shame to see/hear that go away

[@JimRamsayJWR]

You will never hear it again!

[@mrandrossguy9871]

0:40 / 2:00 / 3:20 Take-oFF *M* *A* *B* Or 0:25 / 1:19 / 2:43 Throttle

[@mr.aerial1885]

The new engines suck. It sounds like any airliner. The unique one-of-a-kind sound of the old engines is classic on the C-5. No other plane sounded like that. Too bad we will never hear those again.

[@Southwest_923WR]

You said it, bro! The originals sounded like pure POWER that blended well with looks of the C-5, compared to wimpy sound now; Just dosent seem right!

[@QiuyuanChenRyan916]

if you enemy can tell what plane is it that is a hell of problems to defend now.

[@NoTaboos]

Utter nonsense. You can't compare sounds going away from you vs coming towards you.

[@eliesercepeda686]

Joe Fernandez the new engines are quieter more fuel efficient and most importantly MORE powerful. Your argument on sound alone is dumb.

[@wanderschlosser1857]

The first B747 with CF6-6 did sound very similar to the C5's TF39s. The CF6-6 was a modified TF39 for commercial use therefore the TF39 is the origin for the entire CF6 family. So even the modern M-version's CF6-80C's are relative to the original engines.

[@Workerbee-zy5nx]

Monsters, fun to watch. 🎉

[@dannymiester5825]

Just love c5A Engines

[@olekundbolek9160]

My dad saw a lot of the old C-5A/B in Germany but i never saw it live :/ The old TF39 are iconic with its characteristic sounds. But the GE CF6-80 are true monsters with 22% more thrust. They made a huge difference in performance. Its like compare modern F1 v6 engines with F1 2000 v10 engines. Cause F1 is entertainment its clear the old v10 engines. But in military only power is important not sound.

[@keithlauderjr1691]

The old C5A sound i remember, Pope AFB/BRAGG 74'-76'

[@allgood6760]

Awesome..also there is a Russian AN124 in the vid.. equivalent 👍

[@2010kb1]

They should keep one screamer in the fleet for the ultimate show and tell experience.

[@mrandrossguy9871]

Just like the Tomcat

[@melvyncox3361]

Pretty good whatever the engines!

[@kimc3024]

Eep! Love that tight widdle turning wadius and those widdle wings!!!! Yes, must have engines that ring!!!!!!!

[@symonzziwa2744]

Everything about it spells power

[@ximenoworks]

It look like the M had a load as the other 2 were empty. normally the M can take off a lot sooner than the legacy ones due to the more powerful CF6-80

[@DeanTheGarboFan12]

I'm in love with the C5M cuz it's not that loud than the C5A and C5B

[@APerson-ni1gb]

So YOUR The reason why we can’t have Awesome Things !

[@camerongiguere1467]

The B model in this video is from Westover Air Reserve Base (or at least it was) and I live not even a quarter mile from the base.

[@symonzziwa2744]

When it starts it's like its sucking in lots of air and yet its taking its time only for it to take like 24 seconds before take off

[@JungleYT]

Those TF-39s were like music... - 1:19

[@shahimagesyt]

1:14 wow they almost look the same next to each other!

[@H-cranky]

2 big bois

[@TheSirjohn2012]

LOCKHEED built a awesome giant that works and is a great plane too.

[@Airborne_Arty82]

I get the need to upgrade engines.....but the least they could have done was make the new CF6's sound like the originals. I miss that scream!

[@kimc3024]

A series rocks!!!!!

[@definitelynotcainan3353]

1:20 now THAT'S what Linda's voice REALLY sounds like! If you know, you know....

[@UNITED38Heavy]

The C-5M's didn't come till way after '98. The first demo of an M variant was in Dover in 2009.

[@UNITED38Heavy]

And the C-5 A and B utilized TF-39's.

[@JimRamsayJWR]

C-5 AMP and C-5M Super Galaxy[edit] New C-5 cockpit avionics, installed under the Avionics Modernization Program Following a study showing 80% of the C-5 airframe service life remaining,[93] AMC began an aggressive program to modernize all remaining C-5Bs and C-5Cs and many of the C-5As. The C-5 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) began in 1998 and includes upgrading avionics to Global Air Traffic Management compliance, improving communications, new flat panel displays, improving navigation and safety equipment, and installing a new autopilot system. The first flight of a C-5 with AMP (85-0004) occurred on 21 December 2002.[94] The Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program (RERP) began in 2006. It includes new General Electric F138-GE-100 (CF6-80C2) engines, pylons and auxiliary power units, upgrades to aircraft skin and frame, landing gear, cockpit and pressurization systems.[42][95] Each CF6 engine produces 22% more thrust (50,000 lbf or 220 kN),[96] providing a 30% shorter takeoff, a 38% higher climb rate to initial altitude, an increased cargo load and a longer range.[specify][42][97] Upgraded C-5s are designated C-5M Super Galaxy.[98]

[@UNITED38Heavy]

Yes the idea was proposed in '98, but the C-5M didn't fly until 2006 I believe. The C-5B's did get upgraded first with the AMP program.... I already knew that. The plan for these upgrades came way earlier before it was actually put in place. The C-5M's are actually B models, just on steroids with the new engines.

[@JimRamsayJWR]

The new engines take away from teh "experience" for the spotters.

[@bradleyharbin2488]

+Jim Ramsay Indeed sir. I'm going to miss the sound of the TF-39

[@RedArrow73]

The Mega-Transport that Taxis into the Air.

[@Roadglide911]

Nothing sounds as good as the old A /B model.

[@JimRamsayJWR]

Yeah ... so glad to have caught them as they are all scrapped or converted to "Supergalaxy" models

[@symonzziwa2744]

When it starts it's like its sucking in lots of air

[@rredhawk]

Miss the low menacing growl of the original engines. It's as if each engine had two banshees living inside it. One with a very low voice and one with a very high voice, both screaming at the same time.

[@boaspendaishongwa5316]

That one of best cargo plane in the world

[@kimc3024]

Yeah, I require that ringing-screaming sound! ❤ I love my Galaxy ❤ The M series ain't ringin'....😞. And yes, I am a female who loves military aircraft!!!!

[@JimRamsayJWR]

Yeah, sadly only M left now. game over :-(

[@kimc3024]

@@JimRamsayJWR Noooooooooooooo!!!!! 😱

[@geneg5712]

C5A & B are the same TF39, what makes them different is the chaff flare system

[@creigiihtondenynis39]

Both have flare systems! No C-5 has Chaff.......

[@scottyd035ntknow]

2 and 3 were both B models. You can tell by the serial on the 3rd one and the chin antenna and what looks like a B model serial as well on the 2nd one. Engines were the exact same ones As and Bs. They went to rebuild after X many hours. They sucked. They sounded great but dumpster fires as far as everything else. I worked on these at Dover in the early 2000s. They needed the AMP and M upgrade badly... A and B models used basically what amounted to 8 track tapes for fault recording and to calibrate one of these TF39 engines you had to do it manually via what looked like a Vietnam era analog "computer" that was literally hooked to a running engine with a really long extension cord. Lets not get started on the instruments before the AMP mod lol.

[@troybigham2453]

I challenge the aviation community to prove me wrong, but I believe this video will not be out-classed in terms of C-5 pass by and model comparison (quality) for 15+ years.

[@JimRamsayJWR]

Why 15 years? I have more C-5 footage that I got from RAF Mildenhall that I#d like to add, its only a Super Galaxy mind as thats all that is left flying, but I have the rear wheels up close whilst it is turning after backtracking the runway!

[@pierredecine4386]

The Wright Bros. entire flight could happen inside a C5 cargo compartment !

[@michaeltipton5500]

Nothing says get the hell out of the way like the original engines.

[@hansenkho3835]

C-5M engine is the same engine as the 747-400 yes?

[@kimc3024]

Hmmmm....where's my ring?! Oh, it's almost there!

[@littlepunkxdlol6081]

I love that screaming

[@fear9906]

The king c5m

[@Dryootube]

that sounds rules

[@paulcloutier2890]

A models were first built in 1966

[@hughcapetien]

If there is a difference then it is too subtle for me to figure out. Worked around on TF39 engines for many years and still can't distinguish between the two. The "M" version did sound a mite quieter.

[@dolbyprologicii]

what happened to the c5m? is it a quieter tf39? or a different engine? what model is it?

[@shahimagesyt]

its CF6-80C2, same engine type on the 767, but a different version of it

[@mrandrossguy9871]

The B is like the A Except a little less loud

[@hoolehuarayzed7694]

Are there any B models still in service or all M models now?

[@izzathaikal54]

All M now

[@pktransportation7415]

don't judge me but i love both sounds. CF6 or TF39. i select both of 'em

[@Alias389]

Almost original engines? What's the difference between the original and almost original ones?

[@JimRamsayJWR]

The colour of the paint

[@matthewhanna9115]

on the last c5-galaxy. the ongines sound exactly the same but quieter

[@matthewhanna9115]

engines

[@deshawnclemons5987]

This hurts

[@av8rjacq486]

Give me an A. Model anytime

[@Mr_Smarty_Pants]

Are the A& B essentially P&W JT9's ? like on the old 747?

[@Alpa6c]

No

[@magicalintel5867]

Isn't there a C5C galaxy

[@creigiihtondenynis39]

2 of them 213/216

[@AbdullahBese]

C-5B galaxy and an-124 Russian C-5a galaxy and c-5m super galaxy

[@DrexelZzhoren]

That monster's engines produce about 70,000 kg of thrust

[@carloschagas6699]

Belissimo avião.

[@wsx2000lol]

I get some people prefer the newer engines but for me the C5M's are totally ruined with those CFM6-80, nothing will be ever the same

[@PocketRckett]

Swiss001 is right, It's like comparing Tesla Model x and the Lexus LFA

[@AbdullahBese]

C-5a galaxy and c-5m super galaxy c-5b galaxy

[@pwilsonkelly]

The GE TF 39s...........

[@hooperjaee]

C-5M could have sounded better if this was shown from a different video

[@mrandrossguy9871]

No reason too make it Quite , i mean it’s not a Bomber ?

[@nandadwirendragraha1210]

civillians engine...

[@Francisco-df3rl]

Me gusta más el ruido que hacen los motores del c5 Galaxy, suena más poderoso, que el Súper Galaxy que parece menos potente y ruidoso aunque los 2 "hermanitos gemelos" tienen la misma potencia.

[@easygoing2479]

The Air Force needs to retrofit ALL those M models back to the old TF-39s... who needs performance and economy when you can get GREAT SOUND in exchange??

[@JimRamsayJWR]

I detect some irony

[@arnoldfishman1513]

@@JimRamsayJWR well, maybe some one could buy the retired ones to save them? is that possible?