Battle Cobra Breen

       Like its sister ‘Mech the Crossbow, the Battle Cobra is unusual in Clan OmniMech design. Only the ‘Mech’s arms are equipped to accept weapon pods, its legs and torso are unarmed. This design characteristic is used to date only by Clan Steel Viper, and the Battle Cobra is the centerpiece of this innovative design scheme.

       The Battle Cobra’s main firepower is focused in energy based weapons, primarily pulse lasers and PPCs. Its primary configuration and alternate configuration A both use multiple pulse lasers; alternate configuration B replaces some of the additional pulse lasers with two PPCs. The relatively small size of this ”Mech prompted the Steel Vipers to limit ammunition carrying-space, which in turn allowed greater speed. Significant firepower and speed combine to earn the Battle Cobra a strong reputation within the Clans. The Jade Falcons are currently negotiating to procure a number of Battle Cobras to modify to their own weapons needs.
       Battle Cobras are used primarily in light, fast scout or harasser Stars, fitting well into the Steel Viper’s familiar hit and run tactics. The ‘Mech’s unique cobra-like hood behind the cockpit stands out on the battlefield. Though designed as a sensor array, this hood also adds to the mystique of this deadly ‘Mech.

       During the Battle for Tukayyid, the 205th Viper Striker Cluster (the Fangs of Blood) equipped a Trinary primarily with Battle Cobras. During the initial thrust at Devil’s Bath, the 205th’s Battle Cobras played a key role in skirting the flanks of the Vipers’ Com Guard opponents.
       At the end of the battle most of the Battle Cobras were still operational, a solid testimony to the effectiveness of their design. Rumor has it that ComStar recovered one of the fallen ‘Mechs of this design and may be working on a similar model, but this rumor has not been confirmed.