Assault Helix

The Assault Helix was a more specialized variant of the Helix. It was brought into the scene by General Fai.

Background
"Come back when you're ready for some more"

- Helix, unloading

The default configuration was essentially a Helix upgraded with the Battle Bunker component. The helicopter itself was armed with a single machine-gun and sported medium armour. Its biggest advantage was its ability to have any infantry loaded on, up to eight soldiers, who were then able to fire out from its many ports using their own weapons. For example, a Tank Hunter could fire his rockets at any enemies from the safety of the Assault Helix.

However, due to the nature of the craft and a battle doctrine based solely on infantry, the Assault Helix could not carry vehicles or be upgraded with any of the other Helix upgrades, such as a Speaker Tower or Gatling guns.

Game unit
"HA! More room for weapons"

- Helix, unloading

Strategy
It is used best when loaded with Tank Hunters allowing it to rapidly destroy tanks and aircraft. Loaded with mini-gunners, it can literally rain down hot lead on any infantry and light vehicles below.

"Get out there and take care of business"

- Helix, unloading

Counters
To effectively counter this foe, a general would need to build many anti-air platforms such as Quad cannons, Patriots and Gatling Tanks. As with the standard Helix, an Assault Helix without Tank Hunters loaded onboard were easy pickings for fixed-wing aircraft such as Raptors or rogue MiGs.

Even when it was fully loaded with Mini-Gunners and Tank Hunters alike, aircraft can often speed in, shoot down the helicopter, and escape before suffering any significant damage and losses. This was especially the case for King Raptors.

Changelog

 * Zero Hour patch 1.03:
 * decreased health from 300 to 265
 * can now build special bunker and drop napalm bombs