H-1 Upgrades

The H-1 UPGRADES program, as outlined under Program Element PE 0604245M in the Department of the Navy's FY2026 Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget, is focused on the continued modernization and enhancement of the Marine Corps' AH-1 attack and UH-1 utility helicopter fleets. The overarching goal is to ensure these rotary-wing platforms remain operationally effective, survivable, and relevant in evolving combat environments. The program supports both system development and demonstration activities, emphasizing engineering and manufacturing development tasks to meet validated requirements prior to full-rate production decisions.

The H-1 Improvements line item encompasses a broad range of upgrades to air vehicle and engine components. Specific objectives include the analysis and redesign of structural components such as tail booms, fuselages, and airframes to reduce life cycle costs, minimize excessive wear, and enhance reliability and fatigue life. These efforts also address existing design deficiencies and improve flight safety systems. Additional work includes the development of auxiliary fuel cell capabilities and enhancements to the Rotocraft Station Control Unit (RSCU) software. All improvements are accompanied by Software Configuration Set (SCS) updates and hazard report mitigation, with a focus on cybersecurity and test asset acquisition.

Avionics upgrades within the H-1 Improvements program are aimed at advancing digital interoperability, integrated avionics, and situational awareness for both pilots and aircrew. Key objectives include the development and integration of Adaptive Network Wideband Waveform, advanced data transfer systems, small tactical terminals, and cross-domain solutions to meet security requirements. The program also seeks to modernize GPS and inertial navigation systems, implement resilient time capabilities, and enhance digital mapping, video recording, and display systems. These avionics improvements are designed to maximize commonality between AH-1Z and UH-1Y models, reduce operator workload, and support future growth in weapons and mission systems.

The program places significant emphasis on Weapons and Sensors Testing and Integration. Planned efforts include the integration and evaluation of Distributed Aperture Infrared Countermeasures, obsolescence upgrades for the helmet system, and enhancements to the Target Sight System. These upgrades are intended to improve reliability, reduce repair costs, and address emerging battlefield threats. Additional objectives involve the integration and testing of advanced weapon systems, electronic warfare pods, and other capabilities aimed at increasing the accuracy, lethality, and survivability of the H-1 platform.

The Digital Interoperability Expansion initiative received increased funding in FY2026, supporting the development of mission computer software and net-enabled weapons control capabilities. Digital Interoperability efforts focus on enabling near real-time battlefield intelligence and targeting information exchange, leveraging a family of systems that includes advanced waveforms, data transfer systems, full motion video, radio frequency identification, small tactical terminals, and cross domain solutions. These enhancements are designed to improve information sharing with aviation combat elements and Marine Air Ground Task Force units, shorten the kill chain, and bolster overall mission effectiveness.

Test and evaluation activities are integral to the H-1 UPGRADES program, with both developmental and operational testing conducted by agencies such as NAWCAD and COMOPTEVFOR. These efforts validate the performance of new hardware, software, and integrated systems, ensuring that upgrades meet safety, reliability, and mission requirements. Management services, including contractor engineering and program management support, facilitate the execution of these complex development tasks. Increases in FY2026 are attributed to component redesign efforts for countermeasure systems.