Bell announced on March 17, 2026, the completion of SPINE upgrades on the first U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom helicopters at its Amarillo Assembly Center in Texas. The Structural Power Improvement and Network Enhancement (SPINE) program boosts electrical power capacity, enabling integration of advanced cabin systems, future weapons, and self-protection measures.
These modifications follow prior datalink testing at Camp Pendleton and with VMX-1 in Yuma, Arizona. SPINE builds on the H-1 upgrade program, which modernized the fleet from legacy AH-1W SuperCobras and UH-1N Twin Hueys, replacing two-bladed rotors with four-bladed composite systems for improved speed, payload, and survivability.
The AH-1Z Viper anchors USMC close air support, while the UH-1Y Venom serves as the primary utility helicopter. Enhanced power supports next-generation kinetic long-range munitions, air-launched effects, non-kinetic capabilities, and countermeasures against unmanned aerial systems, extending reach, range, and standoff distance.
Bell H-1 program director Mike Deslatte stated, “SIEPU will be immediately beneficial for today’s operations, and also sets the H-1 up to quickly support future operational needs, some that may not even be conceived of yet.” SIEPU program manager Danielle Markham added, “SIEPU will help the Marine Corps expand mission essential tasks with more mission flexibility.”
Bell commits to H-1 support through the 2040s, aligning with the Marine Corps Aviation Plan, ensuring fleet relevance amid evolving threats.