Can a C-5 (the plane not the car) back up on its own?

Question

I was just wondering, i saw a video on youtube of a c-17 backing up.

Answer 1

The C-5 has powerfull engines and thrust reversers; so why not.

Answer 2

Why not check the -1...

TO 1C-5A-1

2.39 BACKING PROCEDURES.

Backing the airplane with reverse thrust is an option to consider only under emergency circumstances in order to preserve the airplane.

(i.e., severe weather evacuation, contingency, or wartime) and then only when no other means of backing are available. MAJCOM approval should be obtained if time permits.

A marginal backing capability has been demonstrated. Variables such as slope, cold tires, wind, power limitations, and taxiway surface conditions will affect backing capability.

The following factors must be considered if backing is attempted:

a. Ensure that the area behind the airplane is clear and will remain clear while backing.

b. Ensure that the area is free of foreign objects that could be ingested into the engines.

c. Refer to Figure 25 for danger areas associated with backing.

d. Set the reverse thrust limiter.

e. Retract flaps, close spoilers, close ramp and all doors not necessary to be open.

f. Scanners should be posted in the troop doors. Use personnel restraint harnesses.

g. Backing may not be successful above the following weights:

772,000 lb on level surfaces

600,000 lb on up slopes of 0.5 percent

500,000 lb on up slopes of 1.0 percent

h. Initial breakout may not be possible if tires are cold. In this event, taxiing forward a short distance prior to commencing

backing is recommended.

CAUTION

N1, N2, and t*t may tend to exceed limits during extended reverse thrust operations.

i. Recommended taxi speed is 5 knots or less. Do not exceed a 10knot taxi speed. Backward movement can be stopped by forward thrust and/or lightly applying the brakes.

j. Turning is not recommended unless absolutely essential for placing the airplane in a position from which forward taxi is

possible. Turns while backing require additional thrust and a large turning radius (up to 300 feet). Stalling will occur unless

a speed of 3 to 4 knots is attained prior to initiating a turn and NLG steering angle is limited to 20 degrees or less.

k. After backing, make the following AFTO Form 781A entry:

  (1) All engine cowlings require an inspection for loose panels, fasteners, or damage.

  (2) The following engine inspections are required:

      (a) All engine fan blades require a visual inspection for damage.

NOTE

If time and circumstances permit, the above inspection should be completed prior to takeoff. If this is not feasible, the inspection shall be accomplished prior to the next flight.

    (b) All Stage 2 fan blade midspan platforms require an ultrasonic inspection.

NOTE

This inspection shall be accomplished at an en route station. If inspection support is not available, the airplane may

be flown on a onetime flight to a station with inspection capability.

Answer 3

Any aircraft with reverse thrust  ( normally used for deceleration )capability can. I am certain  an aircraft as heavy as the C5 has reverse thrust capability.

However this is seldom a good idea, the pilots almost always cannot see behind their aircraft.

Also jet engines are subject to ingesting their own exhaust this can easily lead to engine damage.

Answer 4

It can, but due to safety reasons and foreign object damage (ingestion into the engine), it is not done.

Answer 5

yeah the term is called powerback meaning an aircraft uses its engines to pushback without the aid of the tug truck  and get ready to taxi through contacting the airport ground control first but this would mean noise and fuel to consume an extra gallon or so.

Answer 6

no.

though it does have reverse thrust, it is never used for backing up because of foreign object damage, and back flow of exhaust into the compressor, possibly damaging the engine.

certain aircraft are certified to use the engine's reverse thrust to back up like the DC-9 but aircraft like the C-5are not certified to do so.

I guess if the air force is really in a pinch, I guess they still might use the reverse thrust to back up. however, if the C-5 is loaded, even maximum reverse thrust will not budge the aircraft for sure. it is not powerful enough by far

to back up, a sort of tractor will attach itself to the nose gear and push it back.

Answer 7

No because unlike the C-17 where the exhaust is deflected forward and upward so hot jet exhaust isn't recycled through the engine, the C-5 dosen't have that type of thrust reverser.

Answer 8

No, but the C-17 can.