2 versions of the AIRWOLF pilot

Never knew there was a second version...
Your second ending sounds like a short version of number 1. Maybe the talk to Archangel was cut on TV? In Germany TV Stations are very quick with cutting movies or other TV shows so that they will fit between the commercial breaks.
I think the talk with Archangel is necessary for the whole show because without the deal with Archangel to find St. John there wouldn't be any reason for Hawke to fly and hide Airwolf.
So I can only imagine that your alternative ending was just a shorter version of the original.
But I have no proof for that, just my feelings...

Hello,
The one where string flies away after killing Moffet is actually Airwolf the movie.
There are slight differences between the pilot that ends with the eagle and cello scene.
In the movie gabrielle tells hawk in the dressing room for example that moffert raped and cut angela up and she will cut his balls.
In the pilot she says he tortured and killed her and she says that she would kill him
Hopefully this helps

As I remember, the two-part pilot episode was longer overall with more scenes and dialogue. You can easily tell by the opening scene of Airwolf taking off having different music (not the TV show-style theme) and there being extra dialogue in the Redstar Control room.

For international markets to launch the show, an edited "theatrical" version was made. As noted, it has more colourful language, including the use of the F word in the fireplace/bed scene.

They did this kind of thing with Battlestar Galactica also, and I think Buck Rogers also had it done.