Cobra Mark IX
Isis Interstellar's New Trader
| Cobra Mk.IX | |
|---|---|
| |
| Size (W×H×L) | ?m×?m×?m |
| Cargo capacity | 12 TC |
| Cargo bay extension | Yes |
| Maximum speed | 0.32 LM |
| Manoeuvrability | Roll: 1.6 Pitch: 1.0 |
| Energy banks | ? |
| Energy recharge rate |
Medium (3.25) |
| Gun mounts | Fore, Aft |
| Missile slots | 3 |
| Shield boosters available | Yes |
| Military shields available | No |
| Hyperspace capable | Yes |
| OXP or standard | OXP |
| Available to player | Yes |
| Base price | 265,000₢ |
Overview
A replacement for the ageing Cobra Mk I
Which? Space
Isis Interstellar's New Trader
The Mark IX Cobra marks a return to the full-size ship format rather than the smaller variant that was Isis Interstellar's Mark B variant. The design of the ship is rumoured to have started life as a concept support/escort vessel for the Navy's Witchspace engagements before being submitted as a contender for the new civilian model. Whether or not a version of this vessel is actually in military operation is a question the company chooses not to answer, though there are strong signs of a military pedigree.
The most notable feature is the ship's silhouette; its geometric shape is a great departure from the historic Cobra shape, and is very reminiscent of a Thargoid vessel; readers will of course remember that Isis Interstellar spent a long period collecting and studying Thargon drones and developed a new drive unit for their Spectres that was based on the alien technology.
The fairly brutish look of the new ship also speaks to a military heritage, as again Isis Interstellar have elected to use their proprietary Karapace armour on the hull to supplement protection should shields fail.
The ship is offered in two distinct variants. The standard model is a multi-role ship, aimed mostly at general traders and couriers. Maximum speed is listed as 0.32LM, and with Karapace armour reducing the amount of internal generators and machinery for shield power cargo space has been increased to 35 tons, expandable to 45 if a cargo bay extension is fitted. Typical of Isis Interstellar vessels, the Mark IX's agility belies its bulky appearance, providing good acceleration and pitch/roll rates.
The Purgatori variant, on the other hand, is a no-nonsense hunter-killer, aimed at escorts, bounty hunters, and anyone else engaging in what the sales brochure euphemistically terms “threat pacification”.
Once again, Isis Interstellar has created a great deal of heated argument regarding the decision to make such a potent vessel available to the public and the risks resulting in the vessels falling into the hands of pirates or unscrupulous pilots.
The most strenuous objections came from GalCop, concerned that even the unmodified ship can outmatch their Vipers and a fully specced-up ship could be a very real threat. Perhaps predictably, given the long-term tensions between GalCop and Isis Interstellar, owner Ms Gold suggested the police take their objections elsewhere – in terms best not repeated in this publication.
Putting the uproar aside, the Purgatori is a vessel that will have many bounty hunters and escort pilots salivating. Zipping along at 0.35LM, the ship has a reduced cargo space of 20 tons, and uses the space instead to hold a total of 6 missiles, w/ room to spare to fully fit out the ship w/ any and all manner of offensive and defensive upgrades.
As if that wasn't enough, the ship comes fitted as standard with Isis Interstellar's intimidating Kathos military-grade laser. First appearing as an optional upgrade for the Poltergeist, the laser has a slightly shorter range than a standard military laser but has roughly 30% more hitting power. The ship's distinctive blood red livery is contrasted with black Karapace armour, an enhanced version of the alloy that gives the Purgatori approximately 7% more durability than the standard model.
The Cobra Mk IX is on sale now, available for sale at planets of Tech Level 8 and above.
License
Do as you wish but "Be respectful"!
Downloads
About
Isis Interstellar is a subsidiary of Isis International. It produces ships and stations among them the well-known Vampire fleet. It has licenses to build some of the recent Cobra ships.
