OH-6 Cayuse "Loach"
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The OH-6 Cayuse “Loach” is the lightest of the helicopters in the game, and serves as an observational reconnaissance support vehicle and attack helicopter, as well as an aerial radio for the US Commander.
History
Gameplay Details
The OH-6 Cayuse “Loach” serves a reconnaissance for the South Vietnam forces. This helps them locate enemy movement, types of infantry, and enemy Squad Tunnels on the battlefield, allowing ground forces to eliminate these forces and positions, for the commander to observe the map in reference of his commander abilities, and provide targets for the attack helicopters such as the AH-1G “Cobra” to attack. By simply flying over an area with enemy movement or Squad Tunnels, they Loach will immediately spot these targets and relay the information to the rest of the team; any North Vietnam soldier who is in camouflage though will not appear on the map. The Loach also has a minigun, allowing the pilot to defend itself from any enemies who decide to open fire on the helicopter; the Loach can also be more offensive and decisively attack targets it spots, and can penetrate buildings and structures with its firepower. It should be reminded that the Loach is greatly exposed to firearms fire, and is especially risky when flying low, more often than not, killing the pilot. Should the pilot be killed during flight, the controls will immediately switch over to the co-pilot if available, although disallowing them access to the minigun. Although risky, it can distract enemies from battlefield, drawing their gunfire towards helicopter and revealing their locations, allowing friendly infantry to take advantage of the situation.
The Loach also has an extra seat for an additional passenger, which can be used strategically depending on the plans of the pilot or passenger in mind. This slot though is mostly used by the US Commander, as he is able to spawn inside the Loach and observe the battlefield while being able to place their own fire support coordinates, as well being able to use the Loach as a radio. If the Commander ever desires to be dropped off or picked up, they will be able to place a Landing Zone mark for the Loach which will appear on their map or tactical HUD. The passenger seat is not limited to just the Commander, meaning that the pilot can pick up any infantry and take advantage of this tactic; people such as Squad Leaders, Marksmen, a Flamethrower (Combat Engineer), and other infantry units can be dropped off in strategically placed lands by the Loach, allowing infantry to do what they see best fit.
Trivia
- If timed correctly, a pilot can lift the helicopter while switching seats, lifting the helicopter into the air with no pilot in the pilot's seat. The helicopter will be stuck there until the pilot or helicopter is killed.