In September of 1989, Sabreliner successfully won a competitive procurement contract issued by the U.S. Army to rebuild 400 T53-L-13B engines. The T53 engine powers the UH-1 "Huey," until recently the Army's primary and most widely used utility helicopter.

Sabreliner implemented a T53 overhaul production line into its existing Perryville, Mo. engine shop, utilizing a one-shift operation with an output of 15 engines per month. Detailed scheduling and tracking of component and accessory repair allowed this subsidiary work to be performed concurrently at other facilities without impacting the 15 per month rate. Exceeding the goal, Sabreliner succeeded in maintaining production in excess of 30 engines ahead of contract schedule.

The program was a major milestone for both the Army and Sabreliner. This was the first contract for engine rebuild and modification awarded by the Army to other than an original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Sabreliner's excellent performance on the contract earned it the honor of being nominated twice, and receiving the award once, as the Small Business Contractor of the Year for the Army Aviation Association of America. (Thanks to internal growth and acquisitions, Sabreliner "outgrew" the Small Business category, in 1995.)

Since completing the successful performance of this major Army overhaul contract, Sabreliner has performed T53 overhaul and maintenance for several other customers, including UNC Helicopter Inc. (now U.S. Helicopter), the Colombian National Police, the Royal Thai air force, the Uruguay air force, the Peruvian government, and the PGR in Mexico. It also successfully overhauled and tested 300 T53 fuel controls under a separate prime contract awarded in 1993 by the U.S. Army.