GE Aviation is part of an industry team led by Stratford, Connecticut-based Sikorsky Aircraft that is assembling prototype CH-53K aircraft.
Three 7,332-rated shaft horsepower GE38-1B engines provide the power for the CH-53K King Stallion aircraft, enabling it to carry a 27,000-lb external load over a mission radius of 110 nautical miles in hot weather conditions, tripling the external load capacity of the current CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter.
Through its qualification program, the GE38 has logged more than 4,500 hours of testing.
In August 2014, the US Navy awarded GE Aviation a System Demonstration Test Article (SDTA) contract to manufacture and support 16 GE38-1B engines for the operational evaluation phase of the Sikorsky CH-53K development program. An option for a further six engines was exercised in January 2015.
Compared to its predecessor – the T64 turboshaft that powers the Super Stallion – the GE38 will provide more than 57% more power, 18% better specific fuel consumption and 63% fewer parts. It also features a more rugged compressor design to increase durability and resistance to sand erosion and saltwater corrosion, features needed to withstand the USMC’s tough operating environments.
October 30, 2015
