Helix (Generals 1)

Introduced late in the conflict with the GLA, the Helix helicopter provided China with a highly flexible airborne platform. The Helix was by default equipped with a basic machine gun/chaingun similar to the American Comanche's, and was 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 was comparable to the Overlord, and was so large that it could even transport a single example of the enormous tanks. Unlike the Overlord, the Helix could be constructed without a Propaganda Center, meaning it could be unleashed earlier on in the conflict.

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

General Fai had his forces develop a more specilized model called the Assault Helix.

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

In addition, Helices could be upgraded with the ability to drop Napalm Bombs (except in the case of General Tao, who preferred Nuclear Bombs instead). These were dropped individually directly beneath the helicopter, with a short recharge time in between each drop.

Tactics/Counters
Perhaps the most useful Helix upgrade was the Battle Bunker upgrade, in spite of the fact that it removed the Helix's capacity to transport vehicles, as it turned the Helix into a very useful weapon to counter early tank rushes, particularly by inexperienced generals who may have forgetten to supplement their tanks with anti-air protection. Tank Hunters could fire upon both tanks and aircraft from within. This flying bunker could also prove deadly against structures. For those who wished to use their Helices for tactical redeployment of units, the Gatling Cannon was a good option, providing some protection against lightly-armoured anti-air units.

While being a rather sturdy aircraft, the Helix was also large and relatively slow-moving. This meant that while it could shoulder a heavier amount of anti-aircraft fire it was a very easy target, especially when damaged. It was a poor match for concentrated anti-aircraft fire.