Cobra CBR-TPHY

         During the Marik/Liao invasions of 3057, Lyran Alliance commanders were impressed by the fire-support actions of the enemy’s new Apollo ‘Mech. The Lyrans contacted Earthwerks, makers of the Apollo, only to learn that Earthwerks had been instructed to refuse any orders for the Apollo from the Federated Commonwealth, and that they were extending that refusal to the newly formed Lyran Alliance. Undaunted, LAAF officials contacted Defiance Industries about developing a similar ‘Mech, a request to which Defiance gladly responded.
         Defiance engineers used field descriptions of the Apollo as the basis for their new ‘Mech design, retaining the LRM-15s but choosing standard medium lasers over the less effective small pulse lasers. They also changed the placement of the weapons, putting them all in the ‘Mech’s arms to give a larger field of fire. LAAF officials requested that the new design – dubbed the Cobra for its hood-like targeting and tracking system – be lighter arid faster than the Apollo, but retain the standard engine to keep costs down.

         The Cobra is intended as a fire-support ‘Mech, and it serves admirably in that role. Though it lacks Artemis IV FCS systems for its LRMs, the Cobra’s mobility enables it to get to a good firing position and gives it a range of motion that provides the missiles with a nearly 360-degree field of fire. Defiance chose to copy the missile arrangement of the Zeus, arranging the missile tubes around and set back from a solid core. This arrangement allows the Cobra to punch without fear of damaging the missile rack. Backing up the LRMs is a pair of medium lasers, classic short-range protection for a fire-support ‘Mech.
         Using a standard engine keep costs down and also adds to the survivability of the Cobra. Despite all the miracles Defiance managed to work, however, the design contains some flaws. it leaves no space for CASE equipment, a drawback that makes some pilots consider the Cobra a deathtrap. Also, despite the use of ferro-fibrous alloys. the Cobra lacks adequate armor for a ‘Mech of its size, sacrificing protection for speed. Only time will tell if that trade-off was a wise one.

       The Cobra has so far gone only to the Third Donegal Guards, undergoing a testing period with them. It is fairly certain that LAAF officials approve of the design. however, as production has begun in earnest despite the fact that testing has not yet been completed. Other realms barred from purchasing Apollos have also expressed interest. The LAAF is expected to authorize sales to the Free Rasalhague Republic, but it seems unlikely that either the Federated Commonwealth or the St. Ives Compact will be allowed to purchase the design.