Bell Textron has successfully completed the first round of Structural and Power Improvements for NextGen Effects (SPINE) upgrades on the US Marine Corps’ AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom helicopters, marking a key milestone in the modernization of the H-1 fleet. The SPINE program, previously known as the Structural Improvement Electrical Power Upgrade, focuses on strengthening airframe structures and enhancing onboard power capacity to support advanced mission systems. The upgraded aircraft have been delivered to Naval Air Station Patuxent River for testing and evaluation, where performance data will guide further refinements. The work, carried out at Bell’s Amarillo Assembly Center, took approximately 19 months and included drive system enhancements, structural modifications, and electrical upgrades. Additional repair and overhaul work was conducted in Fort Worth. The initiative aims to ensure the long-term operational readiness, survivability, and combat effectiveness of the Marine Corps’ rotary-wing fleet amid evolving battlefield requirements.
