SP42 Cobra: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 10:27, March 12, 2015

The SP42 Main Battle Tank (formally Special Purpose-42 Main Battle Tank), commonly known as the Cobra, is a hybrid anti-matériel and anti-fortification vehicle used by the United Nations Space Command. It is manufactured by Misriah Armory.^[1]^[2]

Overview

Service history

The SP42 Cobra was first deployed in 2497 during Operation: CHARLEMAGNE.^[1] Following this initial deployment the Cobra was presumably used throughout the Insurrection. The SP42 was then used extensively during the Human-Covenant War, particularly during its earlier stages, in which Cobras were frequently used in both offensive and defensive roles.

Design details

Chassis

Despite the Cobra's classification as a main battle tank it is designed to be lightly armored, fast, and maneuverable. Unlike most tanks the SP42 uses six all-terrain wheels that enable impressive mobility even over rough terrain and are protected by pivoting front and rear wheel guards. The two rear wheels are retracted when the vehicle enters lockdown mode.^[1]

Armament

Unlike most UNSC vehicles the Cobra fills two distinct roles: that of a mobile anti-matériel platform and that of a self-propelled artillery piece. The SP42 MBT is equipped with a pair of turret-mounted M66 30mm light railguns that fire high-density ferrous slugs; these slugs are twice the size of those used by the M68 Gauss cannon and are designed to penetrate enemy armor using sheer kinetic energy.^[1] The railguns fire intermittently, not in a single burst, as the energy required to accelerate the slugs to the speeds required to pierce the heaviest armor can only be managed for one of the cannons at a time. Synchronized fire from both railguns can destroy even the most heavily armored tank, with penetration that easily outguns the M808 Main Battle Tank's standard M512 90mm cannon.

In addition to the Cobra's anti-vehicle role the tank can be stabilized upon the ground, "locking down", and deploy an M98 105mm light railgun which fires a conventional explosive shell at supersonic velocities. The explosive and kinetic forces of the shell complement each other to increase the damage inflicted.^[2] An M98's shell, when specially outfitted, can penetrate a Type-30 Locust's energy shield and destroy the platform; a single shot can likewise disable the shields occasionally outfitted on the Type-26 Wraith and deal minor damage to the hull. Massed fire from several M98s can quickly destroy even a Covenant citadel, a massive structure outfitted with starship-grade armor plating.

Gameplay

Template:Expand-Section

Upgrades

Deflection Plating: gives the Cobra extra protection. Cost 400 resources.

Piercing Shot: enables railgun to penetrate multiple targets, damaging each. Cost 900 resources.

Trivia

Like most UNSC vehicles the Cobra is superficially similar to its animal namesake. When locked down the SP42 MBT lowers itself and becomes poised to fire; this is similar to actual cobras, which typically coil before striking. The vehicle is especially similar to the spitting cobra, which can project venom to great distances.
The Cobra's artillery mode has an uncanny resemblance to the Terran siege tank from Starcraft, which can transform from tank mode to siege mode, with a sacrifice of mobility for longer range and greater firepower.
Despite its designation as a main battle tank, the Cobra is technically a hybrid self-propelled gun and tank destroyer. The "tank" moniker is likely an in-universe misnomer or simplification, as with the M9 Wolverine.

Gallery

Cutout of the SP42 Cobra MBT in Halo Wars
UNSC COBRA 01.jpg

The Cobra's standard mode
UNSC Cobra 02.jpg

The Cobra in lockdown mode
In-game screenshot of a couple of SP42 Cobra MBTs in lockdown mode in Halo Wars
A trio of SP42 Cobras assaulting a Covenant Citadel in Halo Wars
A formation of Cobras in artillery mode, protecting a UNSC firebase
Render of the Cobra from different angles
UNSC Cobra.jpg

Concept models of the Cobra
Cobra concept.jpg

More concept models of the Cobra
UNSC Artillery.jpg

Early concept art of the Cobra

List of appearances

Halo Wars (First appearance)

Sources

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named EVG
^ ^a ^b Halo Wars

Template:UNSC Vehicles

[EVG-1] Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named EVG

[HW-2] Halo Wars

[1]

[2]

@@ Line 23: / Line 23: @@
 |role=Anti-matériel/anti-fortification<ref name="EVG"/>
 |era=[[Human-Covenant War]]
-|affiliation=[[UNSC Defense Force]]
+|affiliation=[[UNSC Marine Corps]]
 }}
-The '''SP42 Main Battle Tank''' (formally '''Special Purpose-42 Main Battle Tank'''), commonly known as the '''Cobra''', is an anti-matériel/anti-fortification vehicle used by the [[UNSC Defense Force]]. It is manufactured by [[Misriah Armory]].<ref name="EVG"/><ref name="HW">'''Halo Wars'''</ref>
+The '''SP42 Main Battle Tank''' (formally '''Special Purpose-42 Main Battle Tank'''), commonly known as the '''Cobra''', is a hybrid anti-matériel and anti-fortification vehicle used by the [[United Nations Space Command]]. It is manufactured by [[Misriah Armory]].<ref name="EVG"/><ref name="HW">'''Halo Wars'''</ref>
 ==Overview==
 ===Service history===
-The SP42 Cobra was first deployed in [[2497]] during [[Operation: CHARLEMAGNE]],<ref name="EVG"/> after a team of [[ORION Project]] commandos had covertly struck a blow against the [[Secessionist Union]] in the [[2496|previous year]].<ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''' ''(2009)'', page 44-45</ref> Following this initial deployment, the SP42 MBT was presumably used throughout the [[Insurrection]]. The Cobra was then used extensively during the [[Human-Covenant War]], particularly during its earlier stages, in which SP42s were frequently used in both offensive and defensive roles.
+The SP42 Cobra was first deployed in [[2497]] during [[Operation: CHARLEMAGNE]].<ref name="EVG"/> Following this initial deployment the Cobra was presumably used throughout the [[Insurrection]]. The SP42 was then used extensively during the [[Human-Covenant War]], particularly during its earlier stages, in which Cobras were frequently used in both offensive and defensive roles.
 ===Design details===
 ====Chassis====
-Despite the Cobra's classification as a main battle tank, it is designed to be lightly armored, fast, and maneuverable. Unlike most tanks, the SP42 uses six all-terrain wheels that enable impressive mobility even over rough terrain and are protected by pivoting front and rear wheel guards. The two rear wheels are retracted when the vehicle enters lockdown.<ref name="EVG"/> Like the [[M9 Wolverine|M9 Main Anti-Aircraft Tank]], the Cobra's designation as a main battle tank is likely due to its general architecture and framework than because of its function.
+Despite the Cobra's classification as a main battle tank it is designed to be lightly armored, fast, and maneuverable. Unlike most tanks the SP42 uses six all-terrain wheels that enable impressive mobility even over rough terrain and are protected by pivoting front and rear wheel guards. The two rear wheels are retracted when the vehicle enters lockdown mode.<ref name="EVG"/>
 ====Armament====
-Unlike most UNSCDF vehicles, the Cobra fills two distinct roles: that of a mobile anti-matériel platform and that of a self-propelled artillery piece. The SP42 Cobra is equipped with a pair of [[M66 light railgun]]s on its turret that fire high-density ferrous slugs - which are twice the size of those used by the [[M68 Asynchronous Linear-Induction Motor|M68 Gauss cannon]] - designed to penetrate enemy armor using sheer kinetic energy.<ref name="EVG"/> These railguns fire intermittently, not in a single burst, as the energy required to accelerate the slugs to the speeds required to pierce the heaviest armor can only be managed for one of the cannons at a time. Synchronized fire from both railguns can destroy even the most heavily armored tank, with penetration that easily outguns the [[M808 Scorpion|M808 Main Battle Tank]]'s standard [[M512 Smooth Bore High Velocity Cannon|M512 90mm cannon]].
+Unlike most UNSC vehicles the Cobra fills two distinct roles: that of a mobile anti-matériel platform and that of a self-propelled artillery piece. The SP42 MBT is equipped with a pair of turret-mounted [[M66 light railgun|M66 30mm light railguns]] that fire high-density ferrous slugs; these slugs are twice the size of those used by the [[M68 Gauss cannon]] and are designed to penetrate enemy armor using sheer kinetic energy.<ref name="EVG"/> The railguns fire intermittently, not in a single burst, as the energy required to accelerate the slugs to the speeds required to pierce the heaviest armor can only be managed for one of the cannons at a time. Synchronized fire from both railguns can destroy even the most heavily armored tank, with penetration that easily outguns the [[M808 Scorpion|M808 Main Battle Tank]]'s standard [[M512 Smooth Bore High Velocity Cannon|M512 90mm cannon]].
-In addition to the Cobra's anti-vehicle role, the vehicle can be stabilized upon the ground, "locking down", and deploy an arcing-trajectory M98 105mm light railgun which fires a conventional explosive shells at supersonic velocities. The explosive and kinetic forces of the shell complement each other to increase the damage inflicted.<ref name="HW"/> An M98's shell, when specially outfitted, can penetrate a [[Type-30 Locust]]'s  [[Energy shielding#Covenant|energy shield]] and destroy the platform, while one shot can disable the shield upgraded [[Type-26 Wraith]]'s shield and deal minor damage.
+In addition to the Cobra's anti-vehicle role the tank can be stabilized upon the ground, "locking down", and deploy an [[M98 light railgun|M98 105mm light railgun]] which fires a conventional explosive shell at supersonic velocities. The explosive and kinetic forces of the shell complement each other to increase the damage inflicted.<ref name="HW"/> An M98's shell, when specially outfitted, can penetrate a [[Type-30 Locust]]'s  [[Energy shielding#Covenant|energy shield]] and destroy the platform; a single shot can likewise disable the shields occasionally outfitted on the [[Type-26 Wraith]] and deal minor damage to the hull. Massed fire from several M98s can quickly destroy even a [[Covenant citadel]], a massive structure outfitted with starship-grade [[Nanolaminate hull plating|armor plating]].
 ==Gameplay==
@@ Line 50: / Line 50: @@
 ==Trivia==
 {{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
-*Like most UNSC vehicles, the Cobra is superficially similar to its [[Wikipedia:Cobra|animal namesake]]. When locked down, the SP42 MBT lowers itself and becomes poised to fire; this is similar to actual cobras, which typically coil before striking. The SP42 is especially similar to the [[Wikipedia:Spitting cobra|spitting cobra]], which can project venom to great distances.
+*Like most UNSC vehicles the Cobra is superficially similar to its [[Wikipedia:Cobra|animal namesake]]. When locked down the SP42 MBT lowers itself and becomes poised to fire; this is similar to actual cobras, which typically coil before striking. The vehicle is especially similar to the [[Wikipedia:Spitting cobra|spitting cobra]], which can project venom to great distances.
 *The Cobra's artillery mode has an uncanny resemblance to the [[w:c:starcraft:Siege tank (StarCraft)|Terran siege tank]] from ''Starcraft'', which can transform from tank mode to siege mode, with a sacrifice of mobility for longer range and greater firepower.
-*The vehicle was originally described as being similar to a Russian 'Katyusha' rocket artillery vehicle, which was spurred on by the appearance of vehicles similar to the M9 Wolverine but possessing a different ordnance rack. This was a case of mistaken identity, as the vehicle sighted was actually a Wolverine, but with an upgrade adding a second missile pod, creating confusion.
+*Despite its designation as a [[Wikipedia:Main battle tank|main battle tank]], the Cobra is technically a hybrid [[Wikipedia:Self-propelled gun|self-propelled gun]] and [[Wikipedia:Tank destroyer|tank destroyer]]. The "tank" moniker is likely an in-universe misnomer or simplification, as with the [[M9 Wolverine]].
-*Despite its designation as a [[Wikipedia:Main battle tank|main battle tank]], the Cobra is technically a hybrid [[Wikipedia:Self-propelled gun|self-propelled gun]] and [[Wikipedia:Tank destroyer|tank destroyer]]. The "tank" moniker is likely an in-universe misnomer or simplification, as with the M9 Wolverine.
 ==Gallery==
 <gallery widths="150">
-File:HW-SP42CobraMBT.png|Cutout of the SP42 Cobra MBT in ''Halo Wars''.
+File:HW-SP42CobraMBT.png|Cutout of the SP42 Cobra MBT in ''Halo Wars''
-File:UNSC COBRA 01.jpg|The Cobra's standard mode.
+File:UNSC COBRA 01.jpg|The Cobra's standard mode
-File:UNSC Cobra 02.jpg|The Cobra in lockdown mode.
+File:UNSC Cobra 02.jpg|The Cobra in lockdown mode
-File:HW-RefineryBattle-SP42CobraMBT.jpg|In-game screenshot of a couple of SP42 Cobra MBTs in lockdown mode in ''Halo Wars''.
+File:HW-RefineryBattle-SP42CobraMBT.jpg|In-game screenshot of a couple of SP42 Cobra MBTs in lockdown mode in ''Halo Wars''
-File:Hw-prima-blog-02-02.jpg|A trio of SP42 Cobras assaulting a Covenant Citadel in ''Halo Wars''.
+File:Hw-prima-blog-02-02.jpg|A trio of SP42 Cobras assaulting a Covenant Citadel in ''Halo Wars''
-[[File:Cobras.JPG|left|thumb|A pair of Cobras in lockdown mode firing on an enemy position.]]
+[[File:Cobras.JPG|left|thumb|A pair of Cobras in lockdown mode firing on an enemy position]]
-File:Deployedcobra.jpg|A formation of Cobras in artillery mode, protecting a UNSC [[firebase]].
+File:Deployedcobra.jpg|A formation of Cobras in artillery mode, protecting a UNSC [[firebase]]
-File:Cobra 3Render.jpg|Render of the Cobra from different angles.
+File:Cobra 3Render.jpg|Render of the Cobra from different angles
-File:UNSC Cobra.jpg|Concept models of the Cobra.
+File:UNSC Cobra.jpg|Concept models of the Cobra
-File:Cobra concept.jpg|More concept models of the Cobra.
+File:Cobra concept.jpg|More concept models of the Cobra
-File:UNSC Artillery.jpg|Early concept art of the Cobra.
+File:UNSC Artillery.jpg|Early concept art of the Cobra
 </gallery>