Exponential Power. Advanced Configuration.

Structural and Power Improvements for NextGen Effects (SPINE) for the Bell AH-1Z and UH-1Y

More about H1
Two military helicopters flying in a desert landscape under a clear blue sky.

Adapt. Integrate. Dominate.

Structural and Power Improvements for NextGen Effects (SPINE) provides a significant electrical upgrade to H-1s serving as the foundation to Series A capability. Sensors, launchers, and weapons that will be powered and integrated via the SPINE architecture will enable increased interoperability with 5th Generation assets throughout the battlespace.

Outfitting the Bell AH-1Z and UH-1Y with SPINE will ensure the H-1 fleet maintains its lethality and survivability on the modern battlefield.

Two helicopters fly over a naval vessel in the ocean during sunset.

Series A

Improved Defensive Systems 

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Digital Interoperability 

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Increased Aircraft  Electrical Power

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Increased lethality and survivability for a more capable joint force

SPINE provides vital modernization to H-1s viaan electrical power upgrade that transforms current aircraft subsystems into an advanced and scalable electrical architecture that supports rapid integration of current and future technologies while simultaneously enhancing future fleet attack and utility mission capabilities.

SPINE is the gateway to Series A capability that provides integration of net-enabled weapon systems and data links. 

Three military helicopters flying in formation over the ocean during sunset.
Helicopters and boats conduct a military operation with digital targeting overlay on a coastal scene

Bell AH-1Z and UH-1Y Combined Arms Approach

Equipped with more robust defensive systems, an advanced data bus, Link 16, and long-rangenet-enabled weapons, Series A Bell AH-1Zs and UH-1Ys will operate at altitudes and in environments exclusive to rotary wing platforms. Flying below radar resolution cells, the Viper andVenom will be undetectable to enemy radar while receiving target locations from Joint Force fixed wing assets that remain outside of the enemy’s missile range.

This combined arms approach will leverage the strengths of both U.S. rotary wing and fixed wing platforms allowing USMC H-1s to contribute to the maritime fight and Joint Force in ways previously unavailable to Combatant Commanders. Increased Bell AH-1Z and UH-1Y lethality and survivability will provide the Joint Force with capabilities that our adversaries will find difficult to counter.

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Products may be shown with optional equipment and upgrades.

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement. Photo credits: Airman 1st Class Drew Cyburt, Skip Robinson, Petty Officer 3rd Class Aaron Smith,  Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Aaron T. Smith and Lance Cpl. Elias Pimentel