| In 1977 after a number of years experimenting with an M24 fitted with an electric drive ACEC decided to proceed with the development of the Cobra. It
was a revolutionary tracked vehicle, conceived and optimised from the outset to make the most out of an electric transmission. Its mani advantage was
the considearable weight saving inherent in the design; the prototype weighed only 7 tons. Simplicity of construction, maintenance, ease of driving,
quiet running, habitability and maxmimum acceleration from rest were other good qualities inherant in the vehicle design.
In the event the chassis was constructed in two type; IFv for use personnel carrying versions and low-profile for use in turreted roles such as
reconnaissance, fire support and tank destroyer configurations.
The vehicles were powered by a Cummins VT 190 supercharged, water cooled, diesel engine coupled to an electric transmission capable of adapting its
output to the terrain being crossed. The vehicle was amphibious - its breakwater hull shape and twin hydrojets givimng it a speed of 10kph in the water.
The vehicles were exceptionally easy to drive due to the electric transmission, two sticks and electronic engine panel. The makers claimed that anyone
could drive it in an emergency.
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VARIANTS OF THE SERIES
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Cobra [Ambulance] - Ambulance version.
Cobra [ARRV] - Recovery/repair version.
Cobra [Mortar] - Mortar portee version.
Cobra [MBRL] - Fitted with multi-barrel rocket launcher on small conical turret.
Cobra [Prototype]
Cobra [C25 Turret] - Low profile version fitted with Cockerill C-25 turret.
Cobra [Command Post] - Command post version with additional antennae.
Cobra [O25 Turret] - IFV version fitted with Oerlikon 25mm turret.
Cobra-41 - Infantry fighting vehicle version.
Cobra-90 - Turreted low profile version with 90mm Mecar gun
Cobra 120 - Fitted with a Thomson Brandt 120mm mortar firing to the rear.
Cobra LAU97 - Fitted with an FZ 70mm multiple rocket launcher.
Cobra RCDU - Prototype number 4 with FN self-defence turret armed with twin 7.62mm MG.
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GENERAL RECOGNITION POINTS
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- Five small roadwheels with four top rollers.
- Suspension springs visible behind roadwheels.
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WEBSITES
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DOCUMENTS
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DISCUSSION FORUM
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