The final training step is the Composite Maintenance Trainer (CMT), a full-scale mock-up of the CH-53K aircraft, including replicas of its three T408 engines. Training will begin at Marine Air Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina. David Karcher, a Lockheed Martin senior specialist mechanic explained, “The benefit to a trainer like this is to create an environment that is somewhat realistic to a real aircraft but has safety in mind.”

GE delivers first production T408 for heavy-lift CH-53K

Formerly known as the GE38, GE Aviation’s newest and largest turboshaft engine achieved this new designation along with being qualified for Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) in support of the CH-53K King Stallion helicopter.

GE Aviation’s largest turboshaft engine – the GE38-1B, designated the T408 by the US government – successfully powered the first flight of the U.S. Marine Corps’ CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter, on Tuesday, October 27.