Bell secures $300 million contract to modernise US Marine Corps H-1 helicopter fleet

Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has announced an estimated $300 million, firm-fixed-price, fixed-price incentive, and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract from the Department of Navy. This base plus three option years contract provides the Structural and Power Improvements for NextGen Effects (SPINE) upgrades on up to 49 U.S. Marine Corp AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom aircraft.

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The SPINE program, formerly known as SIEPU, provides greater electrical power capacity for modern warfighting capabilities and improved ability to integrate next-gen technology for enhanced lethality and survivability. SPINE-equipped H-1s will address improvements toward:

· Advanced and scalable architecture supporting rapid integration of current and future technologies

· In addition to aircrew safety enhancements, UH-1Y mission kit improvements to the fast rope, hoist, and litter kit provide the ability to rapidly conduct personnel recovery while operating in austere environments

· A vital Series A capability that provides integration of net-enabled weapon systems and data links. (Series A: Improved defensive systems, digital interoperability, increased aircraft electrical power)

Equipped with more robust defensive systems, an advanced data bus, Link 16, and long-range net-enabled weapons, Series A Bell AH-1Zs and UH-1Ys will more effectively operate at altitudes and in environments exclusive to rotary wing platforms. Flying below radar resolution cells, the Viper and Venom 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.

 https://news.bellflight.com/en-US/268525-bell-awarded-contract-for-spine-upgrades-to-h-1-fleet/