Production of CH-53K helicopter engine incorporating cutting-edge technology from MTU Aero Engines launched

The T408 engine that will power the U.S. Marine Corps’ CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter is now going into production. The contract to build 22 T408-GE-400s and provide logistics and engineering support for the engine has been awarded to GE Aviation by the U.S. military, marking a major milestone. MTU Aero Engines is responsible for the development and production of the power turbine for the T408 engine and has a work share of 18% in the engine program. The U.S. Marine Corps expects its first squadron of CH-53K helicopters to reach initial operational capability by 2019. Sikorsky is building 200 of the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopters, which will be delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps along with 800 T408 engines.