AMARILLO, Tex. -- Bell Textron Inc. has completed the first upgraded AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom under the Structural and Power Improvements for NextGen Effects (SPINE) program, a major U.S. Marine Corps initiative to enhance the H-1 fleet’s survivability and combat capability.

Formerly known as SIEPU, the renamed program highlights its focus on structural and power improvements to support next-generation mission systems. The upgraded aircraft have been delivered to Naval Air Station Patuxent River for flight testing, which will define the final configuration for future fleet-wide modifications. SPINE upgrades strengthen the airframe and expand electrical power capacity, enabling integration of advanced weapons, sensors, and digital systems.

This effort is central to the long-term modernization of the Marine Corps’ H-1 fleet, ensuring continued operational relevance in increasingly complex combat environments. The initial upgrades, completed after 19 months of work, mark a key milestone and pave the way for broader fleet enhancements over the coming decade.

Source: Bell
Associated URL: https://news.bellflight.com/en-US/263414-bell-completes-spine-upgrades-on-first-two-h-1-aircraft/
Author: Bell 

ATLANTA, Ga. -- French light helicopter manufacturer Helicopteres Guimbal has officially unveiled the Grand Cabri G5, a larger, turbine-powered companion to its two-seat Cabri G2. Designed in response to long-standing customer demand, the G5 features a four-blade main rotor, shrouded tail rotor, and seating for four passengers plus a pilot, significantly expanding capability beyond the training-focused G2.

Powered by the Safran Arrius 2D engine, the G5 is positioned as a high-performance, multi-mission platform bridging the gap between the Cabri and aircraft like the Airbus Helicopters H125. Guimbal aims to deliver improved performance over legacy competitors such as the discontinued Airbus Helicopters H120, which was considered underpowered.

The helicopter retains key Cabri design elements, including a composite fuselage, while maximizing cabin space through a compact engine layout. Although formally introduced at Verticon, no development timeline has been revealed, reflecting the company’s cautious approach to preserving independence and program stability.

Source: Flight Global
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/guimbal-grows-ambitions-with-launch-of-grand-cabri-g5/166569.article
Author: Dominic Perry 

ATLANTA, Ga. -- Sikorsky Aircraft, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, and Robinson Helicopter Company have unveiled the R66 TURBINETRUCK, an autonomous cargo helicopter that integrates Sikorsky’s MATRIX autonomy system with Robinson’s unmanned R66 platform. The aircraft is designed as a flexible uncrewed system capable of supporting both civil and military missions such as cargo delivery, logistics resupply, and disaster response.

The TURBINETRUCK becomes the 21st aircraft platform equipped with the MATRIX autonomy suite, which has accumulated more than 1,000 flight hours across a wide range of aircraft types, from small drones to large cargo aircraft. The system is also used in Sikorsky’s fully autonomous S-70UAS U-Hawk program.

Based on the proven R66 airframe, the cockpit is eliminated to maximize cargo space and features a large fuselage, cargo floor, and nose-mounted clamshell door for rapid loading. Its modular architecture allows mission software and payload configurations to be quickly changed. The platform is intended to provide an affordable, attritable logistics solution for operations in contested or remote environments.

Source: Lockheed Martin
Associated URL: https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2026-03-10-Sikorsky-Collaborates-with-Robinson-Helicopter-Company-to-Integrate-MATRIX-TM-Autonomy-into-Robinson-R66-TURBINETRUCK#assets_all
Author: Lockheed Martin