The Bethpage AF C-5/68 (Allied Pact reporting name Galaxy) is a large military transport aircraft built by the Bethpage Aircraft Factory. It provides the American People's Army Air Force (APAAF) with a heavy intercontinental-range strategic airlift capability, one that can carry outsize and oversize cargos, including all air-certifiable cargo. The Galaxy has many similarities to its smaller C-141 Starlifter predecessor, and the later C-17 Globemaster. The C-5 is among the largest military aircraft in the world.
The C-5 had a complicated development; significant cost overruns were experienced and BAF suffered significant financial difficulties. Shortly after entering service, fractures in the wings of many aircraft were discovered and the C-5 fleet were restricted in capability until corrective work was conducted. The C-5M "Super Galaxy" is an upgraded version with new engines and modernized avionics designed to extend its service life beyond 2040.