USAF Lockheed C5A Galaxy "Martinsburg AFB" / 68-0222

Gemini MACS 1:400 - GMUSA152

The USAF (United States Air Force) is the air and space branch of the United States Armed Forces. Established on September 18, 1947, it is the largest and most advanced air force in the world. Its primary mission is to ensure the nation’s defense through control of the air and space. It has more than 330,000 active-duty personnel, supported by tens of thousands of reservists and civilians. The USAF operates a fleet of more than 5,200 aircraft, including fighter jets (F-15, F-16, F-35), strategic bombers (B-2, B-21), refueling aircraft, and airborne early warning and control (AWACS) systems. It is part of the Department of the Air Force (which also oversees the U.S. Space Force) and the U.S. Department of Defense.

The Lockheed C-5A Galaxy (serial number 68-0222) is an iconic heavy military transport aircraft of the United States Air Force (USAF). Nicknamed “The Patriot” during its service, it remains particularly famous for its final assignment with the 167th Airlift Wing of the West Virginia Air National Guard, based at Martinsburg Air National Guard Base. Bearing manufacturer’s construction number 500-0025, this aircraft is part of the very first production batch (the C-5A variant) assembled at the Lockheed plant in Marietta, Georgia. Entering service in the early 1970s at the height of the Cold War, it was initially assigned to the active transport units of the Military Airlift Command (MAC). In particular, it was assigned to the 436th Military Airlift Wing based in Dover, where it carried out strategic global flights and participated in NATO exercises (such as the famous Mildenhall Air Fete events in Europe in the early 1980s). In the 1990s and 2000s, like many C-5As, the aircraft was later transferred to operational reserve units. It served under the 439th Airlift Wing / 337th Airlift Squadron based at Westover, actively participating in airlifts during the major conflicts of that era, notably Operation Desert Storm (Gulf War). Due to the high maintenance costs of the “A” version and the Martinsburg base’s transition to newer, quieter aircraft (the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III), the C-5 fleet in West Virginia was gradually phased out of service. The program came to an end in Martinsburg in September 2014, marking the permanent retirement of this tireless giant of the skies after more than 40 years of global logistics service.

Gemini Jets 400 Series includes models that are highly detailed, authentically decorated and made of die-cast metal.

Each plane is packaged with details on the information of the true aircraft it represents.

"Gemini 200" offers:

• a Die-cast metal construction, including the wings

• Realistic panel lines, access panels and surface details.

•  Printed markings and closets that do not fade or peel like stickers.

• Extended metal landing gear and rubber tires.