Type APC (AFV) Manufacturer ACEC SA Weight 8,500 kg (9,500 kg) | Place of origin Belgium Variants Numerous, see text Length 4.52 m (6.86 m) | |
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.