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Notable aircraftLockheed C-5M Super Galaxy

Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy 86-0017 shows the type's modernization heritage

The flight record included 37,000 feet and 540 knots. The aircraft was reported near Freeport, Michigan.

Nearl CrewsObserved Published

Map of Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy 86-0017's recorded track near Freeport, Michigan: 4 positions over 2 minutes, about 9 miles.
Saved positions of Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy 86-0017 near Freeport, Michigan, drawn from a short archived excerpt. The line breaks at gaps over 45 seconds, at source changes and at rejected positions. The path measures about 9 miles (8.2 nautical miles) along the plotted segments. Archive timestamps do not establish exact message freshness. USGS topographic background shows roads, water and place names where available. It is a current reference map, not imagery from the flight date. Map data sources

A Super Galaxy appeared in the flight record at a reported altitude of 37,000 feet and ground speed of 540 knots on July 23, 2026. The aircraft database identifies it as Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy 86-0017, reported near Freeport, Michigan.

The Super Galaxy name denotes a substantial modernization of an existing aircraft. The Air Force began its avionics modernization effort in 1998. The underlying C-5 design was built around cargo that would be awkward to fit into an ordinary transport.

About the Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy

  • The C-5 was designed around cargo that would be awkward to fit into an ordinary transport.
  • The Super Galaxy designation marks a substantial modernization of an existing aircraft.
  • The Air Force began its avionics modernization effort in 1998.

Other Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy stories

Representative Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy lifting off from a runway in evening light.
Representative Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy photo. Image source and license

Recorded data for 86-0017

Observation
Observed to
Event typeUnusual aircraft
Recorded sourceADS-B, ICAO address
Post date
Last revised
Aircraft
Aircraft typeLockheed C-5M Super Galaxy
Type designatorC5M
Tail number (registration)86-0017
CallsignFRED63
ICAO addressAE056E

Measurements

Displayed measurements may be rounded.

Saved reading at .
Ground speed539.8 kn
Archived altitude; reference not retained37,000 ft
Last archived label at . Archive labels are carried between saved positions.
CallsignFRED63
Watchlist association
SourcePlane Alert DB
CategoryCurated aircraft entry
Pinned source version6f7a19044a8dc9ed1c5687c8d26650df7296321e
AttributionAircraft association/category: Plane Alert DB / SDR-Enthusiasts and contributors.
LicencesOpen Database License 1.0; Database Contents License 1.0
ScopeSource association only; not verified current ownership, operator, historical association or presence of any person aboard.
Record details

Public event ID: 79d28397-2f21-4427-ac2b-80821f4762f4.

Record revision: 3.

Evidence version: 32f581496937463f6df0a2119bb9f8a07224275d02974c4f879bdab07cca2c52.

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