ACEC Cobra

Last updated
ACEC Cobra
Type APC (AFV)
Place of originFlag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium
Production history
Manufacturer ACEC SA
VariantsNumerous, see text
Specifications
Mass8,500 kg (9,500 kg)
Length4.52 m (6.86 m)
Width2.75 m
Height2.32 m (2.25 m)
Crew2 + 10 passengers (3)

Armor 7.62mm NATO ball all angles at point-blank range, 7.62mm AP front armour, 105mm HE shrapnel all round
Main
armament
see text
Secondary
armament
see text
EngineCummins VT-190 super-charged, water cooled diesel engine
190 hp at 3,300 rpm
Power/weight22.35 hp/tonne (20 hp/tonne)
TransmissionACEC electrical
SuspensionHelicoidal (helical) springs with shock absorbers on first and last road wheel stations
Ground clearance0.42 m (0.4 m)
Fuel capacity309 litres
Operational
range
600 km
Maximum speed 75 km/h (land) 10 km/h (water)

The ACEC Cobra is a tracked armored personnel carrier with amphibious capabilities, similar in concept to the BTR-50. It was developed by Ateliers de Constructions Electriques de Charleroi (ACEC) along with the Belgian Army. The Cobra was the fifth vehicle prototype of an experimental project to create a vehicle with an electric transmission. The electric transmissions made the vehicle lighter and have more room than previous vehicles. The vehicle was completed in October 1985, but never made it into active service because the Cold War ended in 1989/1990. When the Cobra went through performance training in Detroit, the test drivers stated that the electric transmission gave the Cobra equal, if not better, performance and maneuverability than vehicles with mechanical transmissions. The vehicle provided its passengers with protections from small arms fire, small armour piercing projectiles, and shell splinters.

Variants

Of the Cobra, several versions have been developed, using identical automotive components:

It was also possible to fit the MILAN MBT turret.

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