The FRED: Unique Features of the Largest Airlifter in the US Air Force

TLDRMeet FRED, the largest strategic airlifter in the US Air Force. It has several unique features like 90-degree rotating landing gear, the ability to kneel down, and the ability to travel in reverse. FRED can transport anything except the space shuttle. The C-5 Galaxy, also known as FRED, has a nickname with an interesting backstory. The C-5 can travel backwards on the ground using reverse thrusters and can even use reverse thrust mid-flight. It can transport various vehicles, helicopters, and even carry passengers with rear-facing seats for safety reasons. However, it is rarely used to transport tanks due to cost and efficiency concerns. Despite some past challenges, the C-5 Galaxy remains an important strategic airlifter for the US Air Force.

Key insights

The C-5 Galaxy, nicknamed FRED, is the largest strategic airlifter in the United States Air Force.

FRED has unique features like 90-degree rotating landing gear, the ability to kneel down, and the ability to travel in reverse.

The C-5 Galaxy can transport anything, except for the space shuttle.

The C-5 Galaxy has a nickname, FRED, which stands for 'Fu*king Ridiculous Economic Disaster.'

The C-5 Galaxy can travel backwards on the ground using reverse thrusters and can even use reverse thrust mid-flight.

Q&A

What makes the C-5 Galaxy unique?

—The C-5 Galaxy has several unique features, including 90-degree rotating landing gear, the ability to kneel down, and the ability to travel in reverse.

What can the C-5 Galaxy transport?

—The C-5 Galaxy can transport various vehicles, helicopters, and even carry passengers with rear-facing seats for safety reasons.

Why is the C-5 Galaxy nicknamed FRED?

—The C-5 Galaxy is nicknamed FRED, which stands for 'Fu*king Ridiculous Economic Disaster,' due to the enormous cost overruns during its development.

Can the C-5 Galaxy transport tanks?

—While the C-5 Galaxy can transport tanks, it is rarely used for this purpose due to cost and efficiency concerns.

What is the service life of the C-5 Galaxy?

—The C-5 Galaxy is expected to remain in service until at least 2040.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Meet FRED, the largest strategic airlifter in the US Air Force with unique features like rotating landing gear and the ability to travel in reverse.

03:06FRED can travel backwards on the ground using reverse thrusters, but it doesn't have a backup camera like cars.

04:43The C-5 Galaxy can use reverse thrust mid-flight to speed up the rate of descent.

05:23The C-5 Galaxy has rear-facing seats for safety reasons, which are considered safer for passengers during a crash.

09:49The C-5 Galaxy is capable of transporting various vehicles, helicopters, and even passengers.

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