In the late 1980s, the last batch of C-5B ‘Galaxy’ strategic transport aircraft was officially delivered to the U.S. Air Force. During the test flights prior to the official delivery, a C-5B conducted a formation flight with a T-28B ‘Trojan’ trainer aircraft and a PC-9 trainer aircraft. A photographer on another aircraft captured photos of this formation flight. The photos perfectly showcase the massive size of the C-5B.
The C-5B flying in formation with a T-28B ‘Trojan’ and a PC-9 trainer aircraft.
Compared to the T-28B ‘Trojan’ and the PC-9 trainer aircraft, the C-5B appears exceptionally large.
The C-5B is an improved version of the C-5A, featuring enhancements in wings, landing gear, engines, and avionics. Since 1986, a total of 50 C-5B aircraft have been delivered to the U.S. Air Force. Currently, all C-5B aircraft still in service with the U.S. military have been upgraded to the C-5M variant. Although the U.S. military later developed the more advanced C-17, it cannot completely replace the C-5.
When the PC-9 trainer aircraft flies in formation with the C-5B, it seems to be flying under the wing of the C-5B.