Cryocopter

The Cryocopter was an Allied support helicopter first seen during the Third World War.

Background
The result of a radical Dutch energy-absorption system coupled with a British helicopter chassis, the cryocopter was stable and dependable as helicopters go. An ancillary benefit of its sophisticated on-board systems was a surprisingly strong fuselage, proven to be able to withstand direct fire. Of course, their durability is hardly what makes them so impressive. That credit goes primarily to the aircraft's custom cryobeam.

The cryobeam was used to draw out all heat in an area while spraying it with pure water and a burst of liquid helium, causing a flash-freeze that could encase an entire enemy tank in a block of solid ice. Cryocopters could train their cryobeams on any surface target, causing it to gradually slow and become frozen. Even a war factory could eventually be frozen by a cryocopter, completely disabling it. Frozen targets become extremely brittle, and can be shattered by even small arms fire. This caused the cryocopter to gain popularity among Allied forces for its ability to neutralize enemy targets in a relatively civil, if unorthodox, way.

The cryocopter was also equipped with a strong homogenous residual-interactive neutron kinetic (S.H.R.I.N.K.) beam. This device safely and temporarily compresses molecular bonds in an object, in essence causing a reduction in physical size despite a conservation of mass. Yet their energy is conserved in such a way that they seem to increase in mobility during this state, rather than slow as might be expected.

Cryocopters carried military scientists on board for running field diagnostics, and Allied command had assured them that they were unlikely to come to harm and would never be used in frontline engagements against the Soviets.

Game unit
The primary function of the Cryocopter is to hamper major threats like Apocalypse tanks and Dreadnoughts, as well as neutralizing foes to clear the way for standard combat units. When a target is frozen, regardless of how durable it is normally, a single attack from any unit will destroy it. Mostly used in defensive methods, it can be a great way to neutralize artillery units before they are able to destroy base defenses.

Cryocopters are also a good way to neutralize a fast-moving commando in a tightly packed base. Infantry units are almost instantly frozen by the Cryo-Beam, but are unaffected by the S.H.R.I.N.K. Beam.

Changelog

 * Red Alert 3 beta patch 1.3:
 * cryo-beam range decreased to 150 from 300
 * freeze damage DPS reduced 50%
 * Red Alert 3 beta patch 1.5: SHRINK beam range increased to 300 from 200
 * Red Alert 3 patch 1.08: fixed an exploit that allowed Allies to build instantly via cryocopter and chrono rift
 * Red Alert 3 patch 1.11: health reduced to 650 from 750

Created

 * Let's run some field tests!

Select

 * Technician buckled in!
 * Cryo systems, ready to go!
 * Equipment all looks good!


 * I'm safe up here, right?
 * Cryocopter, hello!?
 * Over head!
 * I can get the hang of this!

Moving

 * Let's take a look!
 * Okay, we're going over there!
 * Let's see how this goes!
 * The ride's pretty smooth!
 * We're not gonna get shot up, are we?
 * Did you get that, pilot?
 * Alright, already!
 * Okay! Okay!

Attacking with Cryobeam

 * He needs to chill!
 * Chill out!
 * Put him on ice!
 * Hold it!
 * Absolute Zero!
 * Ohh, another subject!
 * Quick freeze!

Attacking with SHRINK Beam

 * Let's try the shrinker!
 * Reducers all set!
 * Let's see how they like this!
 * Extra small, coming up!
 * Size does matter!

Move to Attack

 * Want me to freeze 'em?
 * I'll need to get closer!
 * They won't feel a thing!
 * Looks like a good subject!
 * Arm the cryobeam!
 * Okay, we see 'em!

In Combat

 * Gotta keep that beam steady!
 * Temperatures dipping!
 * Everybody stay cool!
 * This one looks chilled!
 * Just like in the lab!

Retreating

 * Save the equipment!
 * It's too hot here!
 * They're on my tail!
 * It's time for my break, isn't it?

Under fire

 * I knew they would attack me!
 * I'm just a scientist!
 * Whoa whoa whoa, come on!
 * Hey, get them off me!
 * Oh man, why me?

Shot Down

 * I knew it would happen...
 * Aahh aahh...
 * What do I do?...
 * I got my seatbelt on...

Trivia

 * AI-controlled Cryocopters have a habit of using the SHRINK beam against enemy units. This is more common with Medium or higher AI, who are likely to use the ability on their foes. Players should take great care when these units are deployed against them. Commonly, Commander Giles tends to have the habit of staging 2-5 of these at his base.
 * Enemy AI Cryocopters will always shrink enemies first before freezing or fleeing, even going through enemy fire just to SHRINK a unit. Also, Cryocopters are always spammed by the Allies instead of more offensive units.
 * When a SHRINKed Soviet Sputnik deploys as an outpost and then destroyed or sold, a mini Conscript will appear. The same happens when selling a SHRINKed Conyard.
 * A SHRINKed transport vehicle cannot load infantry. However, a SHRINKed transport vehicle already loaded with infantry can scamper ahead and unload infantry behind enemy lines. Unloaded infantry will have a somewhat white tint and they will return to their normal color when the SHRINK effect on the vehicle wears off.
 * If an infantry that has been stunned by attack dog or war bear has been frozen, they will continue their stun animation.
 * Some SHRINKed heavy units such as the Apocalypse tank become too small to hit by missile armaments.
 * The rate of fire of shrunk units is somewhat improved. Tiny Bullfrogs have been seen firing 3x the speed of normal Bullfrogs.
 * Although frozen units are highly vulnerable against even small arms, any chemical or energy based weapon, like Desolator (spray armament), Mirage tank or even Tesla coil, still hit them with the same damage as normal.