On the international arms market, there is a significant number of self-propelled mortars and mortar installations for mounting on vehicles. One of the most interesting developments of this kind is the Cobra system of the Swiss company RUAG Defense. This project was presented in 2015, and to date, based on the test results, a self-propelled mortar based on the Cobra has been recommended for adoption by the Swiss army.
Based on known solutions
The RUAG Cobra product is a mortar combat module in the form of a rotary support, weapons and controls, assembled into a single structure. A characteristic feature of this module is the presence of several casings, giving it a recognizable futuristic appearance. The module can be mounted on a variety of wheeled and tracked platforms that can withstand firing loads. There are no fundamentally new solutions in the design of the mortar, but it is a fairly successful compilation of well-known and mastered ideas.
The main element of the "Cobra" system is a smooth-bore 120-mm mortar, loaded from a muzzle. The standard barrel length is 2 m. There is also a modification with a barrel shortened to 1.6 m. For practice shooting, it is proposed to use a barrel liner with an inner diameter of 81 mm - this makes it possible to train mortars using less expensive ammunition. The barrel is suspended on hydropneumatic recoil devices and is connected to guidance systems.
A loading mechanism is placed directly above the barrel. The ammunition is proposed to be manually placed on the machine, after which the mechanisms independently send it in the direction of the muzzle and placed in a tubular cassette. Then the cassette is aligned with the muzzle of the mortar, and the mine goes into the barrel. After removing the cassette from the muzzle, a shot is fired. Movable parts of the loading mechanism operating near the muzzle of the mortar are equipped with shields.
At the request of the customer, the Cobra system can be manufactured without a loading mechanism. In this case, the mortar turns into a muzzle-loading gun with manual loading, but retains all other combat qualities.
Guidance of the mortar is carried out using electric drives integrated into the slewing ring. Horizontal guidance is circular or with restrictions on the design of the carrier machine. Vertical - up to 75-80 deg. Changing the elevation angle for loading is not required.
All processes are controlled from the gunner's control panel. It is located on the side of the swinging part and has all the necessary controls, as well as a monitor for issuing information. The fire control system includes satellite navigation aids, a ballistic computer and control devices for aiming drives. The MSA is connected to communications and command and control facilities, which simplifies the reception of target designation and the processing of target data.
Several modes of firing are envisaged. In particular, there is an MRSI mode. There is a training mode in which firing data is calculated for 81 mm mines.
In the advertising materials, the ease of the gunner's work and the speed of the OMS are noted. The first shot can be fired less than a minute after entering position. A self-propelled mortar based on the RUAG Cobra can descend from position immediately after firing is complete without any preparation.
The RUAG Cobra product has limited dimensions, which allows it to be mounted on different armored platforms. Fully loaded combat module weight - 1350 kg. The abandonment of the loading mechanism makes the module lighter by 150 kg. In addition to the mortar system itself, the carrier vehicle must be equipped with stowage for ammunition of the required capacity. The calculation of the combat module - two or three people. Operator-gunner and one or two loaders should work with him.
Cobra can use any existing unguided and guided 120 mm mortar mines. When using the main "long" barrel, the firing range reaches 7-9 km. A shorter barrel or a training mode that uses an 81mm liner will shorten the range.
First order
The RUAG Cobra system was first shown to the public and specialists in 2015. By this time, factory tests were carried out using a combat module and a carrier vehicle. In May 2016, tests began with real shooting. Around this time, the Swiss army became interested in the project, looking for new artillery systems to supplement the existing ones.
In early April 2019, it became known that the Swiss armed forces would soon sign a contract for the supply of Cobras in the configuration of self-propelled mortars. The army needs 32 such vehicles, with the help of which it is planned to close the remaining niche in the field of artillery for firing from closed positions. 120mm self-propelled mortars will fill the gap between 81mm mortars and 155mm M109L47 self-propelled guns.
Self-propelled mortars for Switzerland will be built on the GDELS-MOWAG Piranha 3+ four-axle chassis. To install the Cobra module, such a chassis receives a low superstructure above the aft compartment. Inside the hull, it is planned to install the actual combat module, places for mortars and stowage for ammunition. The crew of a self-propelled mortar for Switzerland will consist of four people - a driver, a gunner commander and two loaders. The combat weight of the armored vehicle is 30 tons. The running characteristics of the new weapons do not suffer.
The RUAG Cobra self-propelled mortar on the Piranha 3+ chassis has already been tested and recommended for adoption. However, the supply contract has not yet been signed. It may appear this year, and the first serial armored vehicles will enter the troops no earlier than the next.
Market prospects
Obviously, RUAG Defense created the Cobra mortar to enter the international market and receive lucrative orders. The first contract for the supply of weapons to its own army will appear in the near future, and in the future, it is possible to receive new orders. However, one should not forget that Cobra has to face special market conditions and serious competition.
The development company notes several main advantages of its combat module. The Cobra product is compatible with different platforms, easy to learn and operate, and also allows you to reduce risks in combat conditions. The use of electronic control systems and electric guidance drives should increase the accuracy of aiming and hitting targets. The mortar can use any existing 120mm rounds.
The RUAG Cobra combat module is of interest to potential customers, and in the future, new armored vehicles with such weapons, built on certain chassis, may appear. However, the prospects for this development should not be overestimated. As practice shows, automated combat modules with mortars receive only limited distribution.
In the context of the Cobra, one should recall the Israeli Cardom system developed by the Soltam company. In terms of its architecture and capabilities, "Cardom" is a complete analogue of the Swiss Cobra system and has the same positive qualities. However, to date, only eight countries have ordered and put into service such products. Other armies still prefer to use self-propelled mortars with simpler weapons.
The Swiss project RUAG Cobra cannot yet boast even such successes, although it claims the same market sector. So far, we are talking only about one order, which, moreover, has not yet been documented. RUAG Defense and the Swiss army will soon sign an agreement, and this may affect customers from third countries. However, the situation on the market may remain the same, and Cobra will have to maintain the status of a successful, interesting, but small-scale model.
