H-1 Improvements
The H-1 Improvements program is designed to advance the entire H-1 fleet, which includes the AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom helicopters. This initiative aligns with the Marine Corps' H-1 modernization strategy, emphasizing the integration of enhanced capabilities to increase the fleet's lethality, digital interoperability, and survivability. Each upgrade is accompanied by dedicated Software Configuration Set (SCS) development, robust cybersecurity protocols, and thorough testing to address hazard reports and maintain platform integrity. Air Vehicle and Engine Improvements are a central focus of the modernization initiative, aiming to maintain the structural integrity and reliability of the H-1 fleet well into the 2050s. Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) funds are being allocated to analyze structural data, establish Damage Limits and Tolerances, and ultimately reduce life cycle costs and maintenance demands. The Air Vehicle scope also includes enhancements to rotors, flight controls, drive systems, and the development and testing of key airframe components such as the tail boom and fuselage. These efforts are designed to minimize wear, boost reliability, and address any design or safety shortcomings. Development of auxiliary fuel cells increases operational range and endurance. The program also encompasses Rotorcraft Station Control Unit (RSCU) software upgrades, thorough testing, and strengthened cybersecurity measures for the RSCU. Avionics modernization is a key driver in elevating the Marine Corps H-1 fleet's capabilities, with particular emphasis on Digital Interoperability (DI), integrated avionics, and improved situational awareness to enhance pilot and aircrew safety. The DI Integration initiative comprises a suite of systems designed to enable the H-1 platform to function as both a kill web enabler and effector. This effort incorporates technologies such as Link-16, the Advanced Net-Enabled Weapons (ANEW) datalink, and the Advanced Data Transfer System (ADTS). Upgrades include Degraded Visual Environment (DVE) systems, state-of-the-art cockpit displays, and a Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) to increase operational safety and reliability. Communications modernization efforts focus on enhanced COMSEC and Embedded Global Positioning System (EGI) capabilities, along with the integration of a new Radar Altimeter (RADALT).
FY2027 planned work Weapons and Sensors will continue development, integration, and testing of next-generation munitions, sensors, and a multi-layered suite of Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE). Continue the integration of PASM, a long-range precision munition. The integration and testing of the DAIRCM system will continue. Initiate development and testing of advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities. The program will utilize dedicated test asset components for weapons and sensors. These assets are essential for comprehensive software validation and cybersecurity testing, ensuring that all new capabilities are secure, reliable, and fully integrated.
FY2026 to FY2027 change FY2026 to FY2027 decrease due to reduced OTO helmet-mounted efforts as it transitions to fielding.
FY2026 plans — current year Continue Precision Attack Strike Munition (PASM) integration efforts. Complete Target Sight System (TSS) obsolescence redesign efforts. Continue the Optimized TopOwl (OTO) obsolescence redesign efforts. Continue Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE) development and test and evaluation. Continue integration, testing and evaluation of Distributed Aperture Infrared Countermeasures (DAIRCM). Weapons and Sensors improvements include test asset components to support software and cybersecurity testing efforts.
FY2027 planned work Air vehicle and engines will continue the redesign and testing of critical structural components. Continue to correct existing deficiencies, with a specific focus on Fuel Systems and Flight Safety Systems. The program will also support the integration of advanced software and ensure platform security. The program is developing and procuring essential test asset components.
FY2026 to FY2027 change FY2026 to FY2027 decrease due to reduction in design and test efforts in support of structural improvement.
FY2026 plans — current year Continue redesign and test of structural components to minimize excessive and premature wear, increase reliability and fatigue life. Improve existing design deficiencies including Fuel Systems and flight safety systems. Air vehicle and engine improvements include test asset components to support software and cybersecurity testing efforts.
Avionics will continue with software integration, system integration laboratories, development testing and Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) activities associated with SCS. Continue design, development and testing for Digital Interoperability (DI) improvements, to include Adaptive Network Wideband Waveform 2 (ANW-2), Link-16 Mission…
Read the FY2027 plan →