C5
Complement component 5 (C5) is a 190 kDa glycoprotein composed of α and β chains linked by disulfide bonds, encoded by a gene located on the short arm of chromosome 9, and functioning as a pivotal mediator in the terminal phase of the complement system's activation pathways within innate immunity.[1][2] Upon cleavage by C5 convertases generated through classical, lectin, or alternative pathways, C5 yields two key fragments: C5a, a potent 74-amino-acid anaphylatoxin that acts as a chemoattractant for neutrophils and promotes inflammation via G-protein-coupled receptors, and C5b, which nucleates the formation of the membrane attack complex (C5b-9 or MAC) to induce lysis of pathogens and susceptible host cells.[2][1] This dual action enables C5 to bridge opsonization, phagocyte recruitment, and direct cytolytic activity, essential for defense against bacterial infections and clearance of damaged cells.[3] Dysregulation of C5 contributes to various pathologies, including elevated C5a levels in age-related macular degeneration, sepsis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and asthma, where it exacerbates inflammation and tissue damage, while hereditary C5 deficiencies predispose individuals to recurrent Neisseria infections due to impaired MAC formation.[2][4] Therapeutically, monoclonal antibodies like eculizumab inhibit C5 cleavage to treat complement-mediated disorders such as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, though such interventions necessitate meningococcal vaccination to mitigate infection risks from blocked terminal complement activity; ongoing research explores C5a receptor antagonists like avacopan for conditions involving excessive inflammation.[1][5]Aviation and Military Applications
Lockheed C-5 Galaxy
The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is a strategic heavy-lift transport aircraft developed for the United States Air Force (USAF) to provide intercontinental airlift of oversized and outsized cargo, including tanks, helicopters, and artillery systems. Capable of carrying a maximum payload of 270,000 pounds, it features a high-mounted wing, T-tail configuration, and kneeling main landing gear to facilitate loading via a forward nose ramp and rear clamshell doors. The aircraft's design enables simultaneous loading/unloading from both ends, supporting rapid deployment in military operations.[6][7] Development originated from the USAF's 1960s CX-HLS (Cargo Experimental-Heavy Logistics System) competition to replace aging piston-engine transports like the C-133. Lockheed secured the contract on September 22, 1965, for 81 aircraft at a fixed price of $1.67 billion, though costs escalated due to technical challenges and program delays. The first prototype flew on June 30, 1968, from Lockheed's Marietta, Georgia facility, achieving initial operational capability with the 437th Airlift Wing at Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina, on June 17, 1970. Production of the initial C-5A series totaled 81 units between 1968 and 1973, followed by 50 improved C-5B models from 1985 to 1989 incorporating reinforced wings to address fatigue issues identified in early airframes.[6][8] Key specifications include a length of 247 feet 10 inches, wingspan of 222 feet 8 inches, height of 65 feet 1 inch, and empty weight of approximately 381,000 pounds. The original C-5A/B models were powered by four General Electric TF39-GE-1 turbofan engines, each producing 40,000 pounds of thrust, enabling a maximum speed of 518 miles per hour and unrefueled range of 5,524 miles with 120,000 pounds of cargo. The fleet underwent extensive modernization through the Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) in the 2000s and the Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program (RERP), culminating in the C-5M Super Galaxy variant with upgraded General Electric F138-GE-100 (CF6-80C2) engines providing 50,580 pounds of thrust each, digital flight controls, and improved reliability exceeding 75% mission-capable rates. As of 2023, the USAF maintains 52 C-5M aircraft in service, with the last upgrades completed in 2018.[6][7]| Variant | Production Years | Key Features | Units Produced |
|---|---|---|---|
| C-5A | 1968–1973 | Original model with TF39 engines; basic avionics | 81 |
| C-5B | 1985–1989 | Strengthened wings, stretched fuselage, improved reliability | 50 |
| C-5C | 1987 (modified) | Enlarged cargo bay for NASA shuttle components; two conversions from C-5A | 2 |
| C-5M | 2006–2018 (upgrades) | Re-engined with CF6 turbofans, modern glass cockpit, projected service to 2040+ | 52 (upgraded fleet) |