U.S. Navy Procures 20 CH-53K Helo Engines

The U.S. Navy has placed a $112 million order for 20 engines to power their CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift cargo helicopters.

This modification procures 20 T408-GE-400 turboshaft engines, peculiar support equipment, and associated engine, programmatic and logistics services in support of CH-53K Lot 4 low rate initial production and spares. Work is expected to be completed in December 2023.

Sikorsky was also awarded $74 million today. This contract provides low rate initial production organic capability pilot repair material, technical publications, peculiar support equipment and logistics support for the CH-53K aircraft.

The service procured six CH-53Ks ($550.4 million) in late October. The King Stallion will be the largest and heaviest helicopter in the U.S. military.

The Marines plan to receive 200 helicopters at a total cost of $25 billion.

The rotorcraft’s design features three 7,500 shp engines, new composite rotor blades, and a wider aircraft cabin than previous CH-53 variants. 

The T408 gives the CH-53K helicopter the power to carry a 27,000-pound external load over a mission radius of 110 nautical miles in hot weather conditions, nearly triple the external load carrying capacity of current aircraft. When compared to its predecessor – the T64 turboshaft engine that powers the SUPER STALLION aircraft – the T408 will provide more than 57% more power, 18% better specific fuel consumption and 63% fewer parts.