Lycoming began work on a turboshaft engine in 1952. Producing 600 hp, the prototype's first flight was on a Kaman HOK-1 in 1956. Since then, the T53 has been operated as both a turboshaft and a turboprop and has doubled its power output.
Over 19,000 have been built including those license-built by KHD, Piaggio, Kawasaki and AIDC-Taiwan.

models

• T53-L-11: 825 hp (615 kW)
• T53-L-701: 1,400 hp (1044 kW)

specifications

• Turboshaft/turboprop
• Compressor: 5-stage axial, 1-stage centrifugal
• Turbine: 1-stage gas generator, 1-stage free

used by

• Bell UH-1 Iroquois
• Grumman OV-1 Mohawk
• Kaman HH-43 Huskie