Bell Textron has received an estimated $300 million contract from the US Department of the Navy to carry out Structural and Power Improvements for NextGen Effects (SPINE) upgrades on up to 49 US Marine Corps H-1 helicopters.
The contract includes three option years covering upgrades to 21 UH-1Y Venom and 28 AH-1Z Viper helicopters, whilst the work will begin at Bell’s Amarillo Assembly Center in Texas in mid-2027, with deliveries of the upgraded aircraft scheduled for 2028.
The SPINE modernization program is designed to increase the aircraft’s electrical power capacity and enable the integration of next-generation technologies aimed at improving survivability, interoperability and combat capability.
“Beginning SPINE Phase 3.0 emphasizes the importance of this essential modernization effort and enables the USMC H-1 fleet to remain competitive with current and future capabilities,” said Danielle Markham, program manager, Bell. She adds, “SPINE will enable H-1 operators and maintainers to implement the equipment and technology needed to keep the aircraft as a fully interoperable member of the modern joint force throughout the lifetime of the H-1 fleet.”
According to Bell, the upgrades will introduce an advanced and scalable system architecture, improved electrical power generation, enhanced defensive systems, digital interoperability, Link 16 connectivity, and compatibility with long-range net-enabled weapons.
“H-1s are essential to maintaining attack, strike, and utility capabilities within the Marine Corps, and they do this while providing a large volume of fires. We are very pleased to see this modernization effort take another leap forward,” said Colonel Jason Duke, Program Manager, PMA-276. He highlighted, “The SPINE program will provide a significant increase to overall H-1 electrical capability to optimize advanced battlefield technology and ensure the H-1 fleet will continue to be relevant into the 2040s.”
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Bell completed the first SPINE upgrades on one UH-1Y and one AH-1Z in 2025. The upgraded aircraft were subsequently transferred to Naval Air Station Patuxent River for flight testing before the launch of fleet-wide modifications under the Phase 3.0 contract.
The company said development work for the program involved its Drive Systems Center and Repair and Overhaul Center before electrical and structural modifications were completed at its Amarillo facility in collaboration with the U.S. government and industry partners.
