Engine Overview
In December 2006, Sikorsky Aircraft, a United Technologies Corp. company, selected the GE38-1B turboshaft engine to power the U.S. Marine Corps' CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter. Sikorsky's three-engine CH-53K aircraft is designed to replace the CH-53E SUPER STALLION(tm) helicopter in the Marine Corps' inventory, which is powered by GE's T64 engine. The CH-53E is the largest, most powerful helicopter suited for marine operation in the world.
The GE38 will use a similar architecture to the popular T700 engine, with proven technologies derived from GE's commercial and military engine product lines. It also offers excellent fuel efficiency to provide additional payload/range capability and low-life cycle cost.
Its lineage is based on the T407 turboprop engine developed for the U.S. Navy and GE27 technology demonstrator engine, which set world records for low fuel consumption and power-to-weight ratio. A turbofan derivative of the T407 engine, the CFE738, powers the Dassault Falcon 2000 business jet.
The GE38-1B has a five-stage axial compressor coupled with a single-stage centrifugal compressor. It has a low-emission, annular combustor, two-stage gas generator turbine, and three-stage power turbine. It features a dual-channel Full Authority Digital Electronic Control system with advanced health monitoring functions. The engine is highly resistant to sand erosion, salt-water corrosion and offers stall-free operation in all conditions.
