America's largest military aircraft, the Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy, has declared a mid-air emergency while flying over the Pacific Ocean. The US Air Force plane was en route to Hawaii after departing from Travis Air Force Base in California on Tuesday.
The aircraft, which is designed for heavy strategic airlift, is capable of transporting tanks, helicopters, and large pallets of cargo across the globe. It joined the USAF inventory after a significant upgrade of its predecessor in 2009. With a length exceeding 140ft and a width of 19ft, the Super Galaxy can accommodate five helicopters and is powered by four turbofan engines. Its service history includes deployments from the Vietnam War era, with numerous costly improvements over the years.
Following the emergency alert, the aircraft descended and returned to Travis Air Force Base, landing just before 11am local time. The US Air Force has not yet confirmed the reason for the alert.
Travis Air Force Base, known as the 'Gateway to the Pacific', is the busiest military air terminal in the United States in terms of cargo and passenger traffic.
