GE Aerospace has secured a $1.4 billion contract from Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) to produce and sustain T408 turboshaft engines for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion helicopters. This award, designated for Lots 9-13, continues a longstanding partnership and supports the heavy-lift helicopter’s expanding fleet.
Under the multi-year agreement, GE will deliver new production engines, spares, and sustainment services. The engines will be finally assembled at the company’s facility in Lynn, Massachusetts, with key components supplied from a network of domestic sites and program partner MTU Aero Engines in Germany.
The T408 engine is the sole powerplant for the CH-53K, with three engines installed on each aircraft. Each T408 delivers 7,500 shaft horsepower—57% more power than the legacy T64 engine it replaces. This immense power enables the King Stallion to lift 36,000 pounds, tripling the payload capacity of its predecessor, the CH-53E Super Stallion.
“This contract underscores the T408’s proven performance in delivering the critical power and reliability the Marine Corps requires for its most demanding missions,” said Scott Snyder, GE Aerospace’s Heavy Lift Engines Program Director.
Beyond raw power, the T408 offers significant operational advantages. It provides an 18% improvement in specific fuel consumption compared to the T64, leading to substantial lifecycle cost savings and extended range. Engineered for durability and ease of maintenance, the T408 incorporates 63% fewer parts than the T64 and features advanced designs like an erosion-coated compressor. These innovations enhance reliability and increase aircraft availability for crucial assault support, ship-to-shore mobility, and logistical missions.
The CH-53K, achieving Initial Operating Capability in April 2022, represents a transformative capability for the Marine Corps. The continued investment in its T408 engines ensures that the King Stallion will remain a cornerstone of heavy-lift aviation for decades to come, supporting U.S. and allied forces globally.
