German engine manufacturer MTU Aero Engines and U.S.-based helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, have jointly entered into an agreement for MTU to provide maintenance, repair and overhaul for the engines of the German Air Force with new heavy lift helicopters to replace its aging CH-53G fleet of aircraft.
Sikorsky, MTU Aero Engines and GE Aviation have been partnering on the CH-53K for the U.S. Marine Corps since its inception. This heavy lift helicopter is powered by three GE Aviation T408-GE-400 turboshaft engines, which are setting new standards worldwide. MTU Aero Engines developed and is now in production for the power turbine of the T408. In addition to the German work share of 18% in the OEM engine program, MTU will support the maintenance, repair and overhaul for these next generation engines of the CH-53K helicopter for the German Air Force.
When compared with its predecessor – the legacy T64 –, the T408 provides 57% more power, 18% better specific fuel consumption and has 63% fewer parts to minimize maintenance cost.
