Siege chopper

The siege chopper is a Soviet artillery helicopter in Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2: Yuri's Revenge.

Background
Combining the need for a stronger air force with the typical Soviet fascination with overwhelming firepower, the siege chopper was meant to be a highly mobile artillery cannon, while at the same time able to fly and attack all unit types.

While airborne, the helicopter relied on a machine gun to shred infantry, aircraft and harass enemy armour. However, the helicopter could also land and deploy a powerful 160 mm howitzer. Though the range was fairly short by artillery standards, the siege chopper could lay waste to an unprepared base or bombard passing columns of enemy troops to oblivion. This aircraft worked to its highest proficiency when deployed in fire groups of four or more. The howitzer's range surpasses most standard base defenses, nearly a match to the French Grand Cannon.

In-game
Since its only available weapon while airborne is a machine gun, the siege chopper has very little chance against even lightly armoured AA vehicles. Also, it is very vulnerable while grounded, due to its inability to move while firing its 160 mm cannon. However, the siege chopper's machine gun does make it an effective counter against the weakly-armoured prism tank.

To some extent, it can be used as an anti-aircraft weapon capable of taking on rocketeers, but it can not be used very effectively against Floating Discs, Kirovs, or Harriers, mainly due to a general lack of firepower.

The siege chopper is vulnerable to mind control when deployed, assuming mind-control-capable units actually survive the artillery barrage and reach the aircraft.

Due to game mechanics and possible engine limitations, the siege chopper cannot be repaired in the service depot. To repair a siege chopper, one might consider capturing an Allied war factory to gain access to the IFV, or forcing the helicopter to fight until it receives the elite rank, which gave it the ability to repair itself. An alternative method is to capture a Tech Machine Shop and enable auto-repair for all vehicle units, should one be available.

Aftermath
It was replaced by the KA-65 Twinblade in both the Post-War Crisis and the new Third World War, which can transport infantry and vehicles.

Changelog

 * Yuri's Revenge patch 1.001:
 * cost decreased from $1400 to $1100
 * now properly uses a voice response when attacking ground units while airborne.

When selected

 * Siege chopper, checking in.
 * We've got the big gun.
 * Ready for deployment.
 * Airborne artillery!
 * All systems operational.

When moving

 * Moving in.
 * Transporting siege weapon!
 * Let's take over the area.
 * Air speed to maximum.
 * Looking for clearing.

When ordered to attack (airborne)

 * Load up the belts!
 * Give 'em some pepper!
 * Target spotted!
 * Chop them all down!
 * Guns unleashed!

When ordered to attack (deployed)

 * Time for a hailstorm!
 * Deploying cannon!
 * Coordinates confirmed!
 * Setting trajectory!
 * Fire at will!

When crashing

 * We're going to crash!
 * We've been hit!
 * Mayday! Mayday!
 * Abort! Abort!
 * Oh no!

Cameos
In order: English, French, German, Korean, Chinese. Top row is standard, bottom row is veteran.

Trivia

 * In the game files, the siege chopper uses the same type of machine gun as the Allied NightHawk Transport and the unused Hind transport.
 * The Siege Chopper was based on real-world Soviet/Russian helicopter designs. Its cockpit and hull were inspired by the Mil Mi-28, while its side machinegun mount based on the Mil Mi 24P. Its overall shape is also closely linked to the Kamov Ka 50.