LYNN, Mass. – The U.S. Navy awarded GE Aviation a multi-year (2014-2017), $68.5 million System Demonstration Test Article (SDTA) contract to manufacture and support 16 GE38-1B engines for the Operational Evaluation phase of the Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion aircraft development program.
The contract builds on the success of the System Design and Development (SDD) contracts with Sikorsky dating back to 2006, which covered engine factory qualification testing and the delivery of 20 flight test engines to support the Technical Evaluation (Tech-Eval) phase of the CH-53K program.
Three 7,500 shaft horsepower class GE38-1B engines (designated T408-GE-400 by the U.S. Navy) provide the power for the CH-53K King Stallion aircraft. The GE38 engine will give 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 the service's current CH-53E SUPER STALLION™ aircraft.
When compared to its predecessor – the T64 turboshaft engine that powers the SUPER STALLION aircraft – the 7500 shaft horsepower class GE38 will provide more than 57 percent more power, 18 percent better specific fuel consumption and 63 percent fewer parts. To date, GE has logged more than 4,300 hours of total factory testing, and expects to finish all testing by year end.
In December 2013, the GE38 completed its 300-hour cyclic durability test, spending the longest time at maximum redline temperatures of any engine in GE history. The GE38 met the USMC's new engine performance requirements, with ample margin to the customer's specific fuel consumption target. These results demonstrate the inherent durability and performance retention characteristics that will contribute to a significantly lower life cycle cost for the Marine Corps.
GE is part of an industry team led by Stratford, Conn.-based Sikorsky Aircraft that is assembling prototype CH-53K aircraft for first flight in late 2014. The Marine Corps expect to stand up the first CH-53K heavy lift helicopter squadron in 2019. The U.S. Navy program of record is for 200 aircraft.
GE Supply Chain facilities in Lynn, Ma; Hooksett, NH; Rutland, Vt.; Madisonville, KY, Dayton, OH, and Jacksonville, FL will all provide parts for this contract.
GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of commercial and military jet engines and components as well as integrated digital, electric power, and mechanical systems for aircraft. GE Aviation also has a global service network to support these offerings.