Helipad (Tiberian Dawn)

	For other helipads, see Helipad.

Helipad
Structure
Affiliation	GDI Nod
Role	Base structure Build aircraft
Tech level	6
Properties
Hit points	400
Armour type	Wood
Production
Cost	$1500
Build time	1:40
Requires	Barracks
Combat
Sight range	3
Function
Produces	ORCA Assault Craft (GDI) Apache (Nod) Chinook (Multiplayer)
Power	-10

The Helipad is a support structure designed to build, refuel and rearm small aircraft such as Apaches or ORCAs. Without it, the aircraft would be left without ammunition to perform any offensive role.

Background

The Brotherhood of Nod as well as the GDI used them as staging areas for their air forces during both the First and Second Tiberium Wars. While originally designed to support only rotary wing aircraft, these pads were adapted by GDI to support the new ORCA Assault Craft. The design little changed since the Second World War, as it has proven itself to be effective and allowed for quick rearming and refueling of the aircraft. The helipad was upgraded in the Second Tiberium War.

In-game

Just like its predecessor on Red Alert, the cost of construction also include VTOL airplane assigned to it. The airplane is unique for each faction. If a faction can capture other faction's helipad, chances are they can gain access to the airplane unique only to other originally constructing it. The facility is only to supply the airplane. To repair an airplane, the commander must put the airplane to the repair pad for repairing and maintenance. Engineer and supply command provision enable captured VTOL airplane originally available only to other faction can be reloaded, refuel, and replenished accordingly. Interestingly due to a bug unique to Tiberian Dawn it actually builds at a rate as if it only cost of $300 this is due to game not considering the cost of the apache when determining the helipad's build rate. Helipads since the only requires a barracks and has a fast build rate so can be used to rush the enemies base early on, this could of course be stopped by scouting and preparing a defence with rocket soldiers. Nod commanders cannot build helipads unless they capture a GDI conyard.

Production

GDI

Icon	Unit	Requirements	Ability
	Orca	Barracks	none
	Chinook	Barracks Multiplayer	Transport 5 infantry

Nod

Icon	Unit	Requirements	Ability
	Apache	Hand of Nod	none
	Chinook	Hand of Nod Multiplayer	Transport 5 infantry

Gallery

DOS manual render scan

Coloured version of the former

Brady Games' strategy guide render scan

Brady Games' strategy guide render scan

Remaster icon

Original icon

GDI Helipad

Nod Helipad