Bell awarded the US Navy a contract worth about $300 million to upgrade up to 49 Marine Corps helicopters: 28 Ah-1Z Vipers and 21 Ah-1Z Vipers. Ares Uh-1Y.
The program is called Spine (an acronym for Structural and Power Improvements for NextGen Effects).
Externally, these changes will be almost invisible.
The backbone program will strengthen the helicopters' design and increase the power of their integrated power systems, enabling the integration of the Link 16 data exchange system, advanced defenses and networked weapon systems.
Modernization will not happen overnight. Work is scheduled to begin in mid-2027, with the first updated vehicles expected in 2028. In total, the Marine Corps operates about 317 family H-1 helicopters, so this program covers about 15% of the fleet of these machines. The modernization will affect about 15% of the Marine Corps' helicopter fleet. Increasing the power of on-board systems and strengthening the structure of the aircraft create the basis for the introduction of new means of communication, defense and weapons.
The program is moving from the testing phase to the direct modernization of the aircraft fleet.