What the hell are Helicopters FOR???

[anderson]

I did find a use for the helicopter in dropping infantry into moutainous terrain. However, this brings up a weakness that should be corrected. About the time that you get the helicopter you lose the ability to create infantry. When you gain the mechanized infantry you can no longer create infantry. (I find this very peculiar since you can still create the swordsman?!) Since the unit dropped on the battlefield does not get to move until next turn, the high defense infantry is the best unit to drop. The helicopter keeps a little of its value if the infantry can still be built OR if mechanized infantry can be ferried by helicopter. The ability to extract a unit from the battlefield would also add to its value.
I hope that the game designers read these. I think the helicopter could be saved.

 

[Zouave]

I long ago changed helicopters (useless) to crossbowmen and made longbowmen an English UU at 4.3.1.

 

[Kingpin]

I found that you get the "Airdrop Failed" message when you try to land your troops at a location already occupied by AI troops. It just can't happen. Make sure to recon the area first.

I use the Helicopter to drop troops on enemy resources in order to pillage them. I try to take out their ability to replace the troops I destroy.

In the modern age, I replace the helicopter with the Air Transport, which has a capacity of two.

At the End of the modern age, I introduce a Dropship, with a capacity of four (or six), using the UFO unit, to handle all units, not just foot units.

It makes things interesting...

 

[ShredZ]

Remember, with PtW coming out soon, we should be able to extend the range of helicopters with Airbases & Radar stations...

 

[UofAzKid]

I think they should get rid of the F-15 for the UU for the Americans and replace it with an Apache Helicopter. I think the currrent helicopter is wasted space.

 

[Kingpin]

Why don't you just add an Apache? Someone has created the unit already.

The current helicopter works, but you need a bunch of them for it to be effective.