Big planes have big presence on AeroShell Square

No matter how you say it, the word "big" has taken on new meaning at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009. The Airbus A380 may be gone from AeroShell Square, but plenty of big planes have taken its place

Within two hours on Friday, AeroShell Square volunteers were busy, getting out the Airbus A380 and getting in the C-5M Super Galaxy, the C-17 Globemaster III, and the C-130 Hercules.

The Super Galaxy will leave at 6 p.m. today, but throughout the day you can tour the transporter that is over two stories tall - the top of the tail, in fact, is six stories tall - and just 17 yards short of a football field.

You can also get an audio tour of the C5-M Super Galaxy, with M standing for modernized, by calling 920-593-9050.

The C5 has been serving armed forces nearly four decades, and the modernization ensures it will remain in service through 2040. The C5-M is one of the largest airplanes, and its belly can hold up to six buses, or an eight-lane bowling alley, or 25 million ping pong balls. It has an 840,000-pound takeoff weight.

The C-17 Globemaster III is also designed to fulfill airlift needs, carrying large combat equipment and troops or items for humanitarian need. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 585,000 pounds and is 174 feet long and 55 feet 1 inch high.

The C-130 Hercules is the world's most advanced tactical airlifter. It is nearly 113 feet long and 39 feet high, with a wingspan of 132 feet and 7 inches. It has a maximum take-off weight of 164,000 pounds.