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{{Era|HCW}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Vehicle Infobox
{{Vehicle infobox
|image=[[File:Unsc cobra.gif|300px]]
|name=SP42 Cobra
|name=Special Purpose-42 Main Battle Tank
|image=[[File:HWunit Cobra.png|300px]]
|manufacturer=[[Misriah Armory]]<ref name="EVG"/>
|manufacturer=[[Misriah Armory]]{{Ref/Book|Id=EVG|EVG|Page=32}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=142}}
|line=
|line=
|model=SP42
|model=
|class=Main battle tank/self-propelled artillery
|cost=
|length={{Convert|8.8|m|ftin|sp=us}}<ref name="EVG">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 32''</ref>
|length={{Convert|28.9|ft|m|sp=us|disp=flip}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|width={{Convert|5.2|m|ftin|sp=us}}
|width={{Convert|17.2|ft|m|sp=us|disp=flip}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|height=
|height={{Convert|14.8|ft|m|sp=us|disp=flip}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|mass=
|mass={{Convert|23.6|MT}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|armament=*[[M66 light rail gun|M66 30mm light rail gun]]<ref name="EVG"/>
|max speed=
*M98 105mm light rail gun<ref name="EVG"/>
|engine=
|hull=
|armament=*1 [[M98 light railgun|M98 105mm light railgun]]{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc11|Enc11|Page=239}}
*2 [[M66 light railgun|M66 30mm light railgun]]s{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
|crew=
*1 driver{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*1 gunner{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|complement=
|complement=
|crew=
|skeleton=
|passengers=
|capacity=
|consumables=
|consumables=
|othersystems=
|othersystems=
|firstuse=[[2497]]<ref name="EVG"/>
|firstuse=[[2497]]{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
|role=Anti-matériel/anti-fortification<ref name="EVG"/>
|service=
|era=[[Human-Covenant War]]
|role=Anti-matériel/anti-fortification{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
|affiliation=[[UNSC Defense Force]]
|affiliation=
*[[Colonial Military Authority]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*[[United Nations Space Command]]
}}
}}
 
The '''Special Purpose-42 Main Battle Tank''', commonly known as the '''Cobra''', is a hybrid anti-matériel and anti-fortification vehicle built by [[Misriah Armory]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} It was adopted into [[Colonial Military Authority]] (CMA) service in [[2497]], though most units were eventually transferred into [[United Nations Space Command]] (UNSC) control during the [[Human-Covenant War]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Site|Id=HWCS|URL=http://www.halowars.com/GameInfo/vehicledepot.aspx#cobra|Site=Official Halo Wars Community Site|Page=Cobra|D=28|M=02|Y=2011|LocalArchive=Archive:Halowars.com/UNSC#Cobra}}
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>


==Overview==
==Overview==
===Service history===
===Design details===
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.
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/Reuse|EVG}} They are designed to supplement more standard tanks such as the [[M808 Scorpion]] by serving as a more agile tank hunter and mobile gun system.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}


===Design details===
The Cobra can be upgraded with additional hardened steel deflection plating on the sides of the turret to provide extra protection while in its locked-down state.{{Ref/Book|Id=Prima|Halo Wars: Official Strategy Guide|Page=43}}
====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 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.


====Armament====
====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 rail gun]]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 rail guns 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 Smooth Bore High Velocity Cannon|M512 90mm cannon]].
The SP42 MBT is equipped with a pair of turret-mounted 16MJ{{Ref/Reuse|Prima}} [[M66 light railgun|M66 30mm light railguns]] that fire high-density ferrous slugs; and are designed to penetrate enemy armor using sheer kinetic energy.{{Ref/Reuse|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 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 rail gun 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 Light Excavation/Anti-Fortification Platform|Type-30 Locust's]] [[Energy shielding#Covenant|energy shield]] and destroy the platform, while one shot can disable the shield upgraded [[Type-26 Assault Gun Carriage|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 a 8MJ{{Ref/Reuse|Prima}} [[M98 light railgun|M98 105mm light railgun]] which fires a conventional explosive shell at supersonic velocities.{{Ref/Reuse|HWCS}} The explosive and kinetic forces of the shell complement each other to increase the damage inflicted.{{Ref/Game|Id=HWGame|HW|Cobra in-game unit}} An M98's shell, when specially outfitted, can penetrate a {{Pattern|Shua'ee|Locust}}'s  [[Energy shielding#Covenant|energy shield]] and destroy the platform; a single shot can likewise disable the shields occasionally outfitted on the {{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}} and deal minor damage to the hull.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}} Massed fire from several M98s can quickly destroy even a [[Covenant citadel]], a massive structure outfitted with starship-grade [[Nanolaminate hull plating|armor plating]].{{Ref/Reuse|HWGame}}


===Operational history===
The SP42 Cobra was first deployed in [[2497]] during [[Operation: CHARLEMAGNE]], as a supplement of the [[M808 Scorpion]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} Most of the production units were later inherited from the CMA by the UNSC during the [[Human-Covenant War]], but their production was not continued.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} They saw use among the ground complement of {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} during the vessel's campaigns in early [[2531]], seeing action in the [[Harvest campaign]], [[Battle for Arcadia]] and [[Battle of Trove]].{{Ref/Reuse|HWGame}}


 
==In-game information==
==Gameplay==
===''Halo Wars''===
{{Expand-Section}}
The Cobra can be produced at the [[UNSC Vehicle Depot|Vehicle Depot]] from {{HWTech|2}} at a cost of {{HWResources|350}} and {{HWPop|2}}. It can be upgraded with the following enhancements:
===Upgrades===
*'''Deflection Plating''' - gives the Cobra extra protection. Cost {{HWResources|400}}.
*Deflection Plating: gives the Cobra extra protection. Cost 400 resources.
*'''Piercing Shot''' - enables railgun to penetrate multiple targets, damaging each. Cost {{HWResources|900}}.
 
*Piercing Shot: enables railgun to penetrate multiple targets, damaging each. Cost 900 resources.


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*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.
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
*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.
*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 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 Main Anti-Aircraft Tank|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.
*The Cobra's artillery mode has an uncanny resemblance to the [[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.
*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==
<gallery widths="150">
===Development images===
File:1225632818 UNSC COBRA 01.jpg|The Cobra's standard mode.
<gallery>
File:UNSC Cobra 02.jpg|The Cobra in lockdown mode.
File:HW_Cobra_Concept_3.jpg|Early concept art of the Cobra as a conventional artillery piece.
[[File:Cobras.JPG|left|thumb|A pair of Cobras in lockdown mode firing on an enemy position.]]
File:HW EarlyCobras Screenshot 1.png|A screenshot of the early Cobra design in the ''[[Halo Wars Alpha]]''.
File:HW EarlyCobras Screenshot 2.png|A screenshot of the early Cobra design in the ''Halo Wars Alpha''.
File:HW EarlyCobras Screenshot 3.png|A screenshot of the early Cobra design in the ''Halo Wars Alpha''.
File:HW_Cobra_Concept_1.jpg|The Cobra's standard mode.
File:HW_Cobra_Concept_2.jpg|The Cobra in lockdown mode.
File:HW_Cobra_Concept_4.jpg|Concept models of the Cobra.
File:HW_Cobra_Concept_5.jpg|More concept models of the Cobra.
File:Cobra 3Render.jpg|Render of the Cobra from different angles.
File:HW-SP42CobraMBT.png|Cutout of the SP42 Cobra MBT in ''Halo Wars''.
</gallery>
 
===Screenshots===
<gallery>
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: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:HW-SP42.png|An SP42 Cobra on Harvest.
File:Cobra concept.jpg|Concept models of the Cobra.
File:HW-SP42reflectivearmor.png|A Cobra with reflective armor.
File:HW-SP42piercingshot.png|A Cobra with piercing shot.
File:HW-SP42svsT30Locusts.png|Two Cobras engage multiple {{Pattern|Shua'ee|Locust}}s.
File:HW-Cobras&Wolverines.png|A group of Cobras with a group of [[M9 Wolverine]]s.
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 69: Line 89:


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}


{{UNSC Vehicles}}
{{Human vehicles}}

Latest revision as of 09:53, December 16, 2023

SP42 Cobra
A screenshot of the SP42 Cobra, cropped from this image.
Production information

Manufacturer:

Misriah Armory[1][2]

Technical specifications

Length:

8.8 meters (28.9 ft)[1][2]

Width:

5.2 meters (17.2 ft)[1][2]

Height:

4.5 meters (14.8 ft)[2]

Mass:

23.6 metric tons (23.2 LT; 26.0 ST)[2]

Armament:

Crew:

Usage

Year introduced:

2497[1]

Role(s):

Anti-matériel/anti-fortification[1]

Affiliation:

 

The Special Purpose-42 Main Battle Tank, commonly known as the Cobra, is a hybrid anti-matériel and anti-fortification vehicle built by Misriah Armory.[1] It was adopted into Colonial Military Authority (CMA) service in 2497, though most units were eventually transferred into United Nations Space Command (UNSC) control during the Human-Covenant War.[2][4]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

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] They are designed to supplement more standard tanks such as the M808 Scorpion by serving as a more agile tank hunter and mobile gun system.[2]

The Cobra can be upgraded with additional hardened steel deflection plating on the sides of the turret to provide extra protection while in its locked-down state.[5]

Armament[edit]

The SP42 MBT is equipped with a pair of turret-mounted 16MJ[5] M66 30mm light railguns that fire high-density ferrous slugs; 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 a 8MJ[5] M98 105mm light railgun which fires a conventional explosive shell at supersonic velocities.[4] The explosive and kinetic forces of the shell complement each other to increase the damage inflicted.[6] An M98's shell, when specially outfitted, can penetrate a Shua'ee-pattern Locust's energy shield and destroy the platform; a single shot can likewise disable the shields occasionally outfitted on the Zurdo-pattern Wraith and deal minor damage to the hull.[3] Massed fire from several M98s can quickly destroy even a Covenant citadel, a massive structure outfitted with starship-grade armor plating.[6]

Operational history[edit]

The SP42 Cobra was first deployed in 2497 during Operation: CHARLEMAGNE, as a supplement of the M808 Scorpion.[1] Most of the production units were later inherited from the CMA by the UNSC during the Human-Covenant War, but their production was not continued.[2] They saw use among the ground complement of UNSC Spirit of Fire during the vessel's campaigns in early 2531, seeing action in the Harvest campaign, Battle for Arcadia and Battle of Trove.[6]

In-game information[edit]

Halo Wars[edit]

The Cobra can be produced at the Vehicle Depot from Tech level 2 at a cost of Resources 350 and Population 2. It can be upgraded with the following enhancements:

  • Deflection Plating - gives the Cobra extra protection. Cost Resources 400.
  • Piercing Shot - enables railgun to penetrate multiple targets, damaging each. Cost Resources 900.

Trivia[edit]

Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.
  • 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[edit]

Development images[edit]

  • Early concept art of the Cobra as a conventional artillery piece.

    Early concept art of the Cobra as a conventional artillery piece.

  • A screenshot of the early Cobra design in the Halo Wars Alpha.

    A screenshot of the early Cobra design in the Halo Wars Alpha.

  • A screenshot of the early Cobra design in the Halo Wars Alpha.

    A screenshot of the early Cobra design in the Halo Wars Alpha.

  • A screenshot of the early Cobra design in the Halo Wars Alpha.

    A screenshot of the early Cobra design in the Halo Wars Alpha.

  • The Cobra's standard mode.

    The Cobra's standard mode.

  • The Cobra in lockdown mode.

    The Cobra in lockdown mode.

  • Concept models of the Cobra.

    Concept models of the Cobra.

  • More concept models of the Cobra.

    More concept models of the Cobra.

  • Render of the Cobra from different angles.

    Render of the Cobra from different angles.

  • Cutout of the SP42 Cobra MBT in Halo Wars.

    Cutout of the SP42 Cobra MBT in Halo Wars.

Screenshots[edit]

  • In-game screenshot of a couple of SP42 Cobra MBTs in lockdown mode in Halo Wars.

    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 trio of SP42 Cobras assaulting a Covenant Citadel in Halo Wars.

  • A formation of Cobras in artillery mode, protecting a UNSC firebase.

    A formation of Cobras in artillery mode, protecting a UNSC firebase.

  • An SP42 Cobra on Harvest.

    An SP42 Cobra on Harvest.

  • A Cobra with reflective armor.

    A Cobra with reflective armor.

  • A Cobra with piercing shot.

    A Cobra with piercing shot.

  • Two Cobras engage multiple Shua'ee-pattern Locusts.

    Two Cobras engage multiple Shua'ee-pattern Locusts.

  • A group of Cobras with a group of M9 Wolverines.

    A group of Cobras with a group of M9 Wolverines.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 32
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 142
  3. ^ a b c Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 239
  4. ^ a b Official Halo Wars Community Site, Cobra (Retrieved on Feb 28, 2011) [local archive] [external archive]
  5. ^ a b c Halo Wars: Official Strategy Guide, page 43
  6. ^ a b c Halo Wars, Cobra in-game unit

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Human ground vehicles
Light vehicles
Heavy recovery vehicles
Self-propelled artillery
Anti-aircraft and siegework platforms
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