Notable aircraftLockheed C-5M Super Galaxy
Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy 87-0043 near Rockford: a transport for awkward cargo
The recorded flight near Rockford, Michigan, included an altitude of 39,000 feet. Its positions were estimated using MLAT.
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The dot moves between saved positions. Readings are from the last saved report. Recorded path is approximate and excludes gaps. Distances use nautical miles (nmi); speed uses knots (nmi per hour).
Near Rockford, Michigan, a large cargo transport was reported in flight on August 21, 2026. The aircraft database identifies it as Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy 87-0043. The archive recorded an altitude of 39,000 feet; the positions came from MLAT, which estimates position from signal timing.
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. For the type, the Air Force reported that the new engines provide 22 percent more thrust than the previous engines, alongside a shorter takeoff roll and faster climb.
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.
- That arrangement can make loading and unloading more flexible than a hold accessible from one end.
- The Air Force reported that the new engines provide 22 percent more thrust than the previous engines, alongside a shorter takeoff roll and faster climb.
Other Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy stories
Recorded data for 87-0043
| Observed | to |
|---|---|
| Event type | Unusual aircraft |
| Recorded source | Multilateration (MLAT) |
| Post date | |
| Last revised |
| Aircraft type | Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy |
|---|---|
| Type designator | C5M |
| Tail number (registration) | 87-0043 |
| ICAO address | AE0588 |
Measurements
Displayed measurements may be rounded.
| Archived altitude; reference not retained | 39,000 ft |
|---|
| Source | Plane Alert DB |
|---|---|
| Category | Curated aircraft entry |
| Pinned source version | 6f7a19044a8dc9ed |
| Attribution | Aircraft association/category: Plane Alert DB / SDR-Enthusiasts and contributors. |
| Licences | Open Database License 1.0; Database Contents License 1.0 |
| Scope | Source association only; not verified current ownership, operator, historical association or presence of any person aboard. |
Record details
Public event ID: f95cee52-d448-49.
Record revision: 3.
Evidence version: 6f0dad97be941062.