Bell Textron has completed the initial rollout of the Structural and Power Improvements for NextGen Effects (SPINE) upgrades on the United States Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom helicopters.
Previously known as the Structural Improvement Electrical Power Upgrade, SPINE is an ongoing effort to enhance the structure and onboard systems of in-service H-1 platforms, improving their combat effectiveness and operational performance against evolving threats.
The upgrade work is being carried out at Bell’s Amarillo Assembly Center in Texas. The company confirmed that the first upgraded aircraft have been delivered to Naval Air Station Patuxent River for evaluation.
Insights from these trials will guide further SPINE development and be incorporated into future aircraft upgrades. The modification process took 19 months and included enhancements to drive systems, as well as repair and overhaul work conducted in Fort Worth, alongside electrical and structural fuselage improvements.
