GE Aerospace has secured a $1.4 billion US Marine Corps contract to continue supplying T408 turboshaft engines for the Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion helicopter.
The latest award supports production lots nine to 13 of the propulsion system and follows six previous agreements under the ongoing CH-53K engine procurement effort. It includes complete engine sets, spare units, and long-term maintenance and sustainment support.
Final engine assembly will be performed at GE’s Lynn, Massachusetts facility, with additional work distributed across multiple US states, including New Hampshire, Vermont, Kentucky, Ohio, and Florida. MTU Aero Engines of Germany will continue its role as a key partner, manufacturing the power turbine for the T408.
The T408 engine entered initial operational service with the US Marine Corps in 2022, coinciding with the operational introduction of the CH-53K. Each aircraft is equipped with three engines producing a total of 22,500 horsepower, representing a 57 percent increase in power over the previous T64 engine.
This enhanced performance provides the CH-53K with roughly triple the range and payload capacity of the CH-53E Super Stallion, improving operational reach and logistics support for Marines. Additionally, the T408 incorporates a simplified architecture with 63 percent fewer components, improved fuel efficiency, and a robust design, resulting in 18 percent greater efficiency and improved maintainability.
