| “ | Time for a hailstorm! - Siege chopper |
” |
The siege chopper was a Soviet artillery helicopter used during the second iteration of the Third World War.
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 and it is a very efficient method for fast, portable yet heavy firepower. The howitzer's range surpasses most standard base defenses, nearly a match to the French Grand Cannon. Moreover the fact that the cannon can be flown and can bypass most terrain means that deployment on pretty much anywhere on the ground is possible without sacrificing mobility.
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.
When deployed, its 160mm howitzer can deal heavy damage to most ground units, although it is most effective when targets are stationery and not as accurate against fast moving targets. It can also outrange most base defenses except the grand cannon and excels destroying buildings rather quickly. That said, deployed siege choppers in groups can serve numerous purposes especially on high ground; such as holding down choke points, pinning enemy positions down or defending the player's base or sieging enemy bases.
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 War of the Three Powers, which can transport infantry and vehicles.
Assessment[]
Pros[]
- Deployed cannon has long range (outranging prism tanks) and high firepower.
- 160mm howitzer is devastating against structures, infantry and lightly armored vehicles.
- Can be used to assault enemy bases.
- 3 to 4 siege choppers can eliminate almost any structure quickly.
- Can attack other air units when airborne.
- Deployed mode can be used as a makeshift base defence in small numbers.
- Unique unit that allows fast, portable yet heavy firepower to be brought quickly to the front lines.
Cons[]
- Can not be used very effectively against Floating Discs, Kirovs, or Harriers. It also easily loses against Floating Disc in one-on-one duel.
- Takes time to deploy and undeploy, making it vulnerable to enemy fire.
- Machine gun during flight mode is not effective against heavier vehicles and has a somewhat average fire rate.
- Heavy Artillery loses accuracy against fast moving targets like light tanks and other fast moving vehicles.
- Very low Armour.
- Very vulnerable to anti-air weapons.
- Vulnerable to mind control when deployed.
- Groups of heavier vehicles are more resilient to artillery fire and can eliminate them.
- Terror drones can attack them when deployed.
- If the siege chopper is shot down, it will not deal any damage upon crashing, unlike Kirov airships, MiGs, and spy planes.
Quotes[]
| “ | Siege chopper, checking in - When selected |
” |
| “ | We've got the big gun - When selected |
” |
| “ | Ready for deployment - When selected |
” |
| “ | Airborne artillery - When selected |
” |
| “ | All systems operational - When selected |
” |
| “ | Moving in - When moving |
” |
| “ | Transporting siege weapon - When moving |
” |
| “ | Let's take over the area - When moving |
” |
| “ | Air speed to maximum - When moving |
” |
| “ | Looking for clearing - When moving |
” |
| “ | Load up the belts - When ordered to attack (airborne) |
” |
| “ | Give 'em some pepper - When ordered to attack (airborne) |
” |
| “ | Target spotted - When ordered to attack (airborne) |
” |
| “ | Chop them all down - When ordered to attack (airborne) |
” |
| “ | Guns unleashed - When ordered to attack (airborne) |
” |
| “ | Time for a hailstorm! - When ordered to attack (deployed) |
” |
| “ | Deploying cannon - When ordered to attack (deployed) |
” |
| “ | Coordinates confirmed - When ordered to attack (deployed) |
” |
| “ | Setting trajectory - When ordered to attack (deployed) |
” |
| “ | Fire at will - When ordered to attack (deployed) |
” |
| “ | We're going to crash! - When being shot down |
” |
| “ | We've been hit! - When being shot down |
” |
| “ | Mayday! Mayday! - When being shot down |
” |
| “ | Abort! Abort! - When being shot down |
” |
| “ | Oh nooo!! - When being shot down |
” |
Gallery[]
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.
