[flybigjet]

Originally Posted by Llarry

Respect! So did the M increase performance at all or was it primarily a reliability & maintainability modification?

A little of each. The original TF-39 motor was rated at 40-40,500 lbs of thrust at 27C-- after that the thrust curve fell off a cliff. The M has CF-6's- they're flat-rated at 50,000 lbs of thrust per engine. This means that you're getting 50k at sea level and at 41,000' as well-- a HUGE difference.

Additionally, the new motors burn less gas. Which means you can carry more cargo and/or go a longer distance-- a force multiplier.

The rest of the stuff they did was modernization-- LED lighting in the cargo box, new auxiliary power units, upgraded emergency generator, better electrics, different thrust reversers, etc.

Every year, my old squadron (I was in it for 20 years) throws a big party for everyone who retired the previous year and retiree's and former members are all invited. My wife and I are flying out to NorCal next month to go-- it should be a good time, I'll get to see a lot of old friends and get caught up on all of the current rumors and war stories about what's been going on in the C-5 community the past several years.

R.