T408-powered CH-53K King Stallion achieves Milestone C

Lockheed Martin announced the CH-53K King Stallion, which is powered by GE Aviation’s T408-GE-400 turboshaft engine, successfully passed its Defense Acquisition Board (DAB) review and achieved a Milestone C decision that approves low rate initial production (LRIP). GE Aviation expects the LRIP contract to be awarded later this year to support planned CH-53K initial operating capability (IOC) in 2019. The LRIP contract will include logistics support, technical publications and NAVAIR organic support development. The T408 achieved qualification in February 2016 after completing a rigorous series of tests in support of the U.S. Marine Corps’ CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter.