Remote controlled variants of the AH-1 have been suggested. Obviously a lot of weight can be saved removing the controls, instruments and seating for the crew. Also unnecessary is the canopy. This can be replaced with non-reflective armoured plate, sloped in at least two directions for maximum deflection. The replaced canopy may look a bit like a sloped ridge tent.
An alternative version removes the instruments but keeps at least one seat. This can be used to carry passengers such as downed aircrew or agents.