The C-5 Galaxy is the largest aircraft in the U.S. military inventory, capable of hauling tanks, helicopters, and enough cargo to make logistics officers weep tears of joy. But despite its massive size and legendary carrying capacity, you almost never see one flying. So what happened? Why does the Air Force operate only a handful of these giants, and why have they largely been replaced by the much smaller C-17 Globemaster? Today we’re breaking down the history of the C-5, its infamous maintenance problems, the realities of strategic airlift, and why America’s biggest cargo plane has become one of its rarest sights.

Source: Why The U.S. Never Flies Its Biggest Plane