GE Aerospace will continue supporting the US Marine Corps’ CH-53K King Stallion helicopter fleet after winning a $1.4-billion contract to supply additional T408 turboshaft engines. The agreement covers engine production Lots 9 to 13, extending a long-running procurement effort aimed at equipping and sustaining the Marines’ next-generation heavy-lift rotorcraft.
The latest award includes the delivery of new production engines, spare propulsion units, and long-term maintenance support, ensuring operational readiness across the CH-53K fleet. Final engine assembly will be conducted at GE’s Lynn, Massachusetts facility, with supporting manufacturing and logistics activities spread across several US states, highlighting the program’s nationwide industrial participation.
As part of the international supply chain, MTU Aero Engines will continue producing the power turbine section for the T408, reinforcing a partnership that has been central to the engine’s development and fielding. The T408 entered operational service with the US Marine Corps in 2022, alongside the King Stallion’s formal induction, marking a major milestone in the helicopter’s modernization effort.
The CH-53K is powered by three T408 engines, delivering a total of 22,500 horsepower, which represents a substantial leap over the older T64 engine. This increased output allows the aircraft to carry heavier payloads over longer distances—up to three times the range and lift capacity of the CH-53E Super Stallion. Designed for efficiency and durability, the T408 incorporates significantly fewer components, optimized fuel usage, and a rugged architecture that improves reliability while reducing lifecycle maintenance costs for the Marine Corps.
