GE Aerospace is in line to produce a total of 277 turboshaft engines through September 2032 following a $1.42-billion U.S. Navy award, a modification to an earlier contract for T408-GE-400 engines to power U.S. Marine Corps CH-53K helicopters. The award finalizes Lots 9 and 10 production for the CH-53K King Stallion, and adds more detail to the plan for Lots 11, 12, and 13.
The Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion is the USMC’s heavy-lift helicopter, for transporting heavy equipment, personnel, and supplies. The aircraft are capable of lifting more than 27,000 lbs. externally over a 110 nautical mile radius, powered by three T408-GE-400 engines. Those are the turbofan engines GE Aerospace developed especially for the helicopters, which were introduced in 2022.
GE Aerospace is set to manufacture new-production and spare engines at its Lynn, Mass., plant, and as well as provide sustainment services for the engines.
Other GE Aerospace plants in Hooksett, N.H.; Rutland, Vt.; Madisonville, Ky.; Dayton, Ohio; and Jacksonville, Fla. supply components for the program.
T408 program partner MTU Aero Engines produces the power turbine.
It’s the sixth T408 award to GE, including the $684-million contract announced in April 2023. Each engine provides 7,500 shaft horsepower, which the designer/manufacturer notes is 57 percent more power than the preceding T64 model, which also offers improved fuel efficiency and better “maintainability”.
“This latest contract is a testament to the T408’s ability to deliver the power, durability and efficiency the Marine Corps depends on,” stated Scott Snyder, director of GE Aerospace’s Heavy Lift Engines Program. “We are honored to support the CH-53K and the critical mission it performs for Marines, joint forces, and allies around the globe.”
Last September, the Pentagon extended a $10.85-billion contract to Sikorsky Aircraft for CH-53K King Stallions, authorizing full-rate production of 21 helicopters for Lot 9 and an unspecified number for Lot 10 - as part of a total 99 aircraft for Lots 9 through 13.