What could fit in the C-5A Galaxy's cargo hold?

Short answer

The C-5's cargo hold measures 121 ft (37 m) long, 13.5 ft (4.1 m) high, and 19 ft (5.8 m) wide, just over 31,000 ft³ (880 m³). It holds up to 36 463L master pallets or a mix of palletized cargo and vehicles, and up to six AH-64 Apache helicopters or five Bradleys at once.

Published: November 5, 2026 · Updated: November 5, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

What could fit in the C-5A Galaxy's cargo hold?

Lockheed C-5 Galaxy 3 view line drawingSaggittarius A (CC BY SA), vía commons

A 37-metre cargo bay

The C-5's cargo compartment is 37 m (121 ft) long, 4.1 m (13.5 ft) high and 5.8 m (19 ft) wide, giving slightly more than 880 m³ (31,000 ft³). That volume holds up to 36 463L master pallets, or a combination of palletised cargo and vehicles.

Bridges, Apaches and Bradleys

The C-5 Galaxy can move practically any type of military combat equipment, including items as bulky as the Army's 74-short-ton (67 t) armoured vehicle launched bridge. Among the loads it accepts in a single lift are up to six Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopters or five Bradley fighting vehicles.

From the CX-HLS to the Lockheed contract

In 1961 several aircraft companies began studying heavy jet transport designs. The official request for proposals for the "Heavy Logistics System" (CX-HLS) was issued in April 1964, and in May of that year bids were received from Boeing, Douglas, General Dynamics, Lockheed and Martin Marietta. After a first screening, Boeing, Douglas and Lockheed received one-year airframe study contracts, and General Electric and Pratt & Whitney received engine contracts. Lockheed was selected as the winner in September 1965 and was awarded the contract in December 1965.