Helix (Generals 1)

Introduced in Zero Hour, the Helix helicopter provides China with a highly flexible airborne platform. The Helix is by default equipped with a basic machine gun/chaingun similar to the Comanche's, and is able to transport 5 infantry units, a variable number of vehicles, or a combination of both. Slow moving and heavily armoured for an airborne unit, the Helix is comparable to the Overlord, and is so large that it can even transport a single example of these enormous tanks. Unlike the Overlord, the Helix may be constructed without a Propaganda Center, meaning it can be unleashed earlier on in the conflict.

The Helix may be upgraded in multiple ways according to the role desired.

Upgrades
One of the following may be installed:
 * Propaganda Tower - Heals its host unit and any friendly units in the vicinity, as well as providing a small boost in firing rate. May be upgraded with Subliminal Messaging.
 * Gatling Cannon - Supplements the Helix's default weapon with a much larger twin Gatling gun that makes quick work of light vehicles and infantry. May be upgraded with the Chaingun upgrade.
 * Battle Bunker - Allows infantry being transported in the Helix to fire from within it.

In addition, Helixes may be upgraded with the ability to drop Napalm Bombs (except in the case of General Tao, who prefers Nuclear Bombs). These are dropped individually directly beneath the helicopter, with a short recharge time in between each drop.

General Fai's Helixes are by default equipped with Battle Bunkers, and may hold up to 10 infantry, but cannot acquire any of the other upgrades (besides Napalm Bombs). This unique model is known as the Assault Helix.

Tactics
Perhaps the most useful Helix upgrade is the Battle Bunker upgrade, in spite of the fact that it removes the Helix's capacity to transport vehicles, as it turns the Helix into a very useful weapon to counter early tank rushes, particularly by inexperienced generals who may forget to supplement their tanks with anti-air protection. Tank Hunters may fire upon both tanks and aircraft from within. For those who wish to use their Helixes for tactical redeployment of units, the Gatling Cannon is a good option, providing some protection against lightly-armoured anti-air units.