Strategic airlift has played a pivotal role in U.S. national security strategy since World War II. Since then, strategic airlift has provided timely worldwide reach for both combat and humanitarian relief operations. The Department of Defense (DoD) currently operates a mix of C-5 and C-17 aircraft. C-5s were built in two production batches, designated the C-5A and C-5B, respectively. Both models of C-5s are scheduled to undergo two major modification programs, after which they will be redesignated C-5M Super Galaxies. C-17s are currently in production, but the C-17 production line is scheduled to close unless additional orders are placed in FY2008. A major issue currently before Congress is how big should the strategic airlift fleet be. Currently, the most pressing issue is whether Congress should authorize the purchase of more C-17s in FY2008 and, if so, how many. A third issue is the optimal mix of C-5s and C-17s that Congress should fund. At least five options have been proposed for C-5 modernization and C-17 procurement, including the following: (1) Buy additional C-17s and pursue modernization of all C-5s, (2) Halt C-17 production but modernize the current C-5 fleet, (3) Maintain the C-5 fleet but forego modernization on all or part of the C-5 fleet while replacing the capability gap with C-17s, (4) Replace all C-5A-models with new C-17s and (5) Replace 30 C-5s with 30 C-17s. Most agree the strategic airlift fleet should consist of a mix of C-17s and modified C-5s. Independent studies have analyzed policy options by attempting to measure long-term costs associated with various alternatives of C-5 modernization with C-17 acquisition. However, there remains disagreement over how many aircraft are required, and of what type. Policy considerations include costs, budget constraints, industrial base risk, aircraft performance considerations, and optimal fleet mix.


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