Construction starts for C-5 arrival at Wright-Patt Published Oct. 25, 2005 By AFRC News Service 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Phase I construction is under way for the arrival of C-5A Galaxy aircraft in the 445th Airlift Wing here.The project involves building a 50- by 75-foot concrete expansion to the airfield pavement to accommodate the large transport aircraft.Aircrews in the Air Force Reserve Command wing currently fly 12 smaller C-141 Starlifters. The wingspan of the C-141 is nearly 73 feet narrower than the C-5, and the plane is more than 78 feet shorter in length than the C-5.Phase I construction is the first of two contracts to be awarded this year. The second involves demolishing two C-141 hangars and building a C-5 hangar with apron.Another six contracts will follow in 2006 and one in 2007. The anticipated total cost of construction will exceed $60 million.At one point, the 445th AW had 18 assigned aircraft. Several of the remaining 12 C-141s will go to Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., to the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center or AMARC before the end of September.Plans call for the 445th AW to receive its first three C-5s in October. Six more planes are to arrive next year with two more to follow in 2007.