Bell Textron Inc. has been selected by the U.S. Department of the Navy to perform structural and electrical upgrades on a fleet of Marine Corps helicopters. The estimated $300 million agreement covers the Structural and Power Improvements for NextGen Effects, or SPINE, modernization program.
The initiative aims to extend the operational life of the H-1 helicopter fleet into the 2040s by enabling the integration of advanced weapons, sensors, and networking technologies.
Under the terms of SPINE Phase 3.0, Bell will modify 28 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters and 21 UH-1Y Venom utility helicopters. The contract structure combines firm-fixed-price, fixed-price incentive, and cost-plus-fixed-fee elements, including three option years. Modification work is scheduled to commence at Bell’s Amarillo Assembly Center in Texas in mid-2027, with the first upgraded aircraft expected for delivery in 2028.
The program, previously known as the Structural Improvement and Electrical Power Upgrade, focuses on increasing available electrical power and structural capacity. This allows for the installation of sophisticated battlefield technologies without replacing the underlying airframes. Key enhancements include improved defensive equipment, digital interoperability, and support for new-generation weapons.
For the UH-1Y Venom, specific upgrades include fast-rope systems, rescue hoists, and litter kits to support personnel recovery and casualty evacuation missions.
A significant component of the upgrade is the Series A configuration, which integrates network-enabled weapons and advanced data links. SPINE-equipped aircraft are expected to feature a more capable data bus, Link 16 connectivity, and enhanced defensive systems. These improvements are designed to allow helicopters to exchange targeting and battlefield information with other platforms across the joint force.
