GE Aviation has launched the production of its T408-GE-400 engines that would power the US Marine Corps’ (USMC) CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter.

Valued at $143.48m, the contract for the manufacture of 22 T408-GE-400 engines was awarded to the company by the US Navy’s Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR).

Under the terms of the deal, GE Aviation will also be responsible for providing logistics and engineering support for the engine.

“The GE engines will increase the external load-carrying capacity of the helicopters by roughly three times compared to the USMC’s existing CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter.”

Each CH-53K helicopter will be equipped with three T408 engines that would provide enough power to the aircraft to carry a 27,000lb external load over a mission radius of 110nm in the navy high / hot weather conditions.

The GE engines will increase the external load-carrying capacity of the helicopters by three times compared to the USMC’s existing CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter powered by GE Aviation’s T64 engine.

Also, the T408 engines will offer 57% additional power, 18% better specific fuel consumption and 63% fewer parts compared with its predecessor.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Germany-based engine manufacturer MTU Aero Engines, which has a work share of 18% in the T408 engine programme, will carry out the development and production of the power turbine for the engines.

The three-stage power turbine is capable of generating 7,378-rated shaft horsepower.

Built by Lockheed Martin company Sikorsky, 200 units of the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopters will be delivered to the USMC, in addition to 800 of GE’s T408 engines.

The first squadron of CH-53K helicopters is expected to reach initial operational capability by next year.