Bell Textron has secured a $33.64 million US Marine Corps contract to modernize the AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom helicopter fleets through the SPINE (Structural and Power Improvements for Next-Generation Effects) Phase III program. The award covers structural modification kits, upgraded electrical power generation systems, drivetrain assemblies, spare components, labor, and support materials that will enable the helicopters to accommodate future weapons, sensors, and networked mission systems. The majority of the upgrade work will take place in Fort Worth, Texas, with project completion expected by July 2028. Bell stated that SPINE introduces a next-generation electrical architecture that replaces the existing onboard power system, providing greater capacity and scalability for future capability enhancements. The AH-1Z attack helicopter and UH-1Y utility helicopter, which share over 84 percent of their components, remain the cornerstone of the Marine Corps’ rotorcraft inventory. Following the successful delivery of the first SPINE-upgraded aircraft for testing earlier this year, the Phase III contract signals the start of operational fielding across the fleet. Once fully integrated, the upgrades will support Link 16 connectivity, advanced mission computers, improved self-protection systems, network-enabled weapons, long-range precision strike capabilities, air-launched effects, and advanced electronic warfare operations.
