The GE Aerospace contract includes engine and other services and builds upon the five previous contracts for T408 engines, the most recent of which was awarded in January 2021.
GE Aerospace has secured a $683.7 million contract from NAVAIR to provide the sixth, seventh, and eighth lots of T408 engines to power the U.S. Marine Corps’ advanced heavy-lift helicopter, the Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion. The contract includes engine and other services and builds upon the five previous contracts for T408 engines, the most recent of which was awarded in January 2021. The Lynn, Mass. plant of GE Aerospace will perform the final assembly for the Lot 6, 7, and 8 engines, which are slated to be delivered from 2024 to 2027.
The CH-53K powered by three T408 engines, achieved Initial Operating Capability with the U.S. Marine Corps in April 2022. The engine’s 7,500 shaft horsepower offers 57 percent more power than its predecessor, the GE Aerospace T64, making it capable of performing critical heavy-lift missions for the Marine Corps, joint forces, and allies worldwide in challenging conditions.
“GE Aerospace is proud to build off its longstanding partnership with NAVAIR and Sikorsky to continue powering the CH-53K,” said Scott Snyder, T408 Program Director. “This additional contract represents another step forward for the T408 engine, which to date has more than 18,000 flight hours powering the CH-53K in some of the world’s harshest operating environments,” he further added.
Moreover, the T408 offers 18 percent better specific fuel consumption than the T64, delivering significant savings over the engine’s lifetime. The T408 also boasts advanced designs, such as a more rugged compressor with erosion coating and split casing, reducing the number of parts by 63 percent, thereby improving both reliability and maintainability.
MTU Aero Engines, based in Germany, is a participant in the T408 program and is responsible for producing the power turbine. Besides the Lynn, Mass. plant, GE facilities in Hooksett, N.H.; Rutland, Vt.; Madisonville, Ky.; Dayton, Ohio; and Jacksonville, Fla. also contribute parts for this contract.
GE Aerospace is a leading provider of jet engines, components, and systems for commercial and military aircraft, with a global service network to support these offerings. GE Aerospace and its joint ventures have an installed base of over 40,000 commercial and 26,000 military aircraft engines, playing a vital role in shaping the future of flight.
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This contract marks a significant milestone for GE Aerospace, which has been supplying engines for military and commercial aircraft for over a century. The company’s commitment to innovation and collaboration with NAVAIR and Sikorsky has enabled it to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible, delivering cutting-edge technology and unparalleled performance to the U.S. Marine Corps and its allies.
