Apache Helicopter

Apache Helicopter
Faction	Nod
Function	Vehicle
Health	400
Armor Type	Light
Armaments	30mm Automatic Cannon Hydra-70 Rockets
Seats	2
Cost	$900

The Apache Helicopter is a light, flying Vehicle of the Brotherhood of Nod and it is the direct counterpart of the GDI's Orca Fighter.

Appearance

The Apache is a slim helicopter driven with propellers, with 2 rocket launchers on its sides and an automatic cannon attached to the bottom. It is black with red elements.

Function

The Apache is the basic Nod unit on flying maps. It is very fast, universal and capable of dealing a lot of damage (especially in a group).

Strategy

Usage

Any tactic that applies to Orcas is also valid for Apaches, due to their similarities. Still, there are few differences to account for: first, Apaches will emit a loud rotor sound, which can make opponents without line of sight on the Apache think that a Chinook is incoming instead; however, this is hardly useful, as the opponent can just exit the building and take a glance for a confirmation.

Second, Apache weaponry differs from Orca's: they possess a small cannon that will do more damage, have more area of effect, but less rounds than the Orca minigun; Apache's second weapon are its rockets, having less damage and area of effect than Orca ones, but compensating with increased speed and increased rounds. Orcas/Apaches emptying all their rounds on a target will result in about the same damage per second.

Apaches work good against all kinds of infantry and vehicles. Their speed, long reload time and low health make it best to use the hit-and-run tactic. Thanks to its mobility and ability to fly high and keep eyes on a big part of the map, Apaches are great as scouting units and at controlling large areas of the field. They are a good counter against sneaking Hotwires.

Apaches are of fragile nature; one should be careful not to fly too far into the enemy lines, especially on open maps. If the enemy fired locked-on rockets at you, you will hear an alert sound. It is possible to evade those rockets if you fly behind some cover or if you fly fast (holding shift) in one direction.

Generally, the automatic cannon works best against Kelvar armored infantry, while rockets are made for dealing with vehicles and buildings, but actually both weapons can as well be used against all targets. Ramming infantry is a good idea, because it is hard to run from the very fast Apache. When fighting enemy vehicles - especially Orcas - it is best to wait until the rockets are locked on the target.

The Apache Rush is one of the most deadly attacks in the game. It can reach the target quickly and deal a huge amount of damage to a building in a short period of time using the rockets. Even ~6 Apaches are enough to destroy a building in 2 bursts of rockets. They are also able to cover a Nuclear Strike Beacon on a roof a building effectively.

Apaches can also be used to drop infantry (especially sneaky Technicians and Stealth Black Hands) in the enemy base, a common tactic for example on Walls.

Counters

There is plenty of counters against Apaches. Because of their light armor, all automatic rifles and cannons (like the ones of a Humvee, APC or a Patch - or even a regular Soldier) deal considerable damage to Apaches. All units with locking-on rockets (Mobile Rocket Launcher System, Mammoth Tank, Orca, Rocket Soldier) work good, too. Sydneys and Havocs can be very annoying and troublesome for Apaches as well.

It is best to mass the units mentioned above when defending against an Apache Rush.