OBT Forum

Battle Cobra

Mass: 40 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Chassis Config: Biped Omnimech
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3052
Cost: 3,920,000 C-Bills
Battle Value: 620

Chassis: Unknown Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Unknown 240 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 64.8 km/h
Maximum Speed: 97.2 km/h
Jump Jets: Unknown
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Unknown Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
    14.0 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer: Unknown
    Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown

Overview:
Having adopted the Battle Cobra for their touman, Clan Fire Mandrill began to explore its proper employment in battle. Rather than resort to trials by battle that could provoke conflict among the Kindraa, the Loremaster dispatched a technician to each of the five Clans already using the OmniMech to identify ways the normal configurations had been honed and fine-tuned by successful warriors during the design's long history.

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel                    67 points                2.00
    Internal Locations: 1 CT, 3 LT, 3 RT
Engine:             Fusion Engine                240                      11.50
    Walking MP: 6
    Running MP: 9
    Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             10(20)                    0.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 RL
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 124                  6.50
    Armor Locations: 1 CT, 3 LT, 3 RT

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     12           17       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  4         
                                           L/R Torso     10           14       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  5         
                                             L/R Arm     6            11       
                                             L/R Leg     10           17       


Mechwarrior Cinder of Clan Burrock has earned admiration for her ruthless efficiency, her great beauty and... perhaps not quite admiration for her ambition. Although only recently out of the sibko, senior members of her bloodhouse have gone to some lengths not to be bid in trials alongside her. Her adaption of the Blood Spirit Prime switches the lasers to extended range models guided by a targeting computer. With the free tonnage she has added jump-jets and flamers - reportedly the hotter her 'Mech is, the more she likes it.
================================================================================
Loadout Name: Cinder                                         Cost: 4,931,500
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,742

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Jumping MP: 4  (Standard)
    Jump Jet Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT                                         2.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER Large Laser                               RA        12        1         4.00
2 Flamers                                    RA        6         2         1.00
ER Large Laser                               LA        12        1         4.00
2 Flamers                                    LA        6         2         1.00
Targeting Computer                           LL        -         2         2.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 23

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 17
6/3j       2       2       2       0      2     1   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, ENE, HT1, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
Star Captain Haddock of Clan Goliath Scorpion started out using the A configuration version of the Battle Cobra but replaced the small pulse lasers with another pair of medium pulse lasers. The longer range allows more use of alpha strikes and led to the addition of another heatsink to cope with the heat burden. In addition, ECM is almost as useful in avoiding enemy fire as Haddock's notoriously erratic maneuvers.
================================================================================
Loadout Name: Haddock                                        Cost: 4,917,500
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,698

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             11(22)                    1.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 LL, 1 RL
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA+LA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ECM Suite                                    HD        0         1         1.00
3 Medium Pulse Lasers                        RA        12        3         6.00
3 Medium Pulse Lasers                        LA        12        3         6.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 24

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 17
6          5       5       0       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, ECM, ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
A rising ground commander among one of more fighter-focused Clans, Star Commander Bashibazouk Izumi of Clan Cloud Cobra is fond of what she calls zoom and boom tactics. Even so she found the Battle Cobra B a rather excessive heat burden and swapped out the secondary lasers to make it easier to off-set the massive heat generated by the pair of Extended Range PPCs, particularly when moving quickly.
================================================================================
Loadout Name: Bashibazouk                                    Cost: 4,991,000
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,856

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             12(24)                    2.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 RL
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER PPC                                       RA        15        2         6.00
ER PPC                                       LA        15        2         6.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 27

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 19
6          3       3       3       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
Garath Mercer of Clan Steel Viper is aging for a warrior who has never risen higher than Star Captain (and even lost this rank). Subject to repeated disciplinary action for broken uniform regulations and drunkenness he is notable otherwise mostly for an encyclopedic knowledge of the Steel Viper Remembrance.  While the Steel Vipers usually fit the Battle Viper only with energy weapons, he chose to fit his with LRM launchers and frequently taunts opponents with indirect fire and quotes from the Remembrance that place their Clans or bloodnames in a poor light.
================================================================================
Loadout Name: Garath                                         Cost: 4,638,200
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,487

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CASE Locations: LT, RT                                                 0.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 LRM-5s                                     RA        10        5         5.00
5 LRM-5s                                     LA        10        5         5.00
@LRM-5 (48)                                  RT        -         2         2.00
@LRM-5 (48)                                  LT        -         2         2.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 17

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 15
6          3       3       3       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, LRM 2/2/2, IF 2

Christian Redmond of the Blood Spirits is notable mostly for his feud with the Jade Falcon Kristen Redmond, who shares his bloodname but not his clan. Just mispronouncing his name has been enough to convince him to call for a Trial of Greivance. The Invasion has denied any chance to bring the mutual hatred to its natural end but Christian has been honing his skills and the equipment of his Battle Cobra. The mixed armament requires razor sharp heat control and tactical excellence to employ the best mix of mobility, lasers and missiles for a given situation and there is some question of Christian will be equal to the challenge should he get the chance.
================================================================================
Loadout Name: Christian                                      Cost: 5,530,700
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,663

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Jumping MP: 6  (Standard)
    Jump Jet Locations: 3 LT, 3 RT                                         3.00
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             12(24)                    2.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 RL
    CASE Locations: HD                                                     0.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SRM-4                                        RT        3         1         1.00
SRM-4                                        LT        3         1         1.00
2 ER Medium Lasers                           RA        10        2         2.00
SRM-4                                        RA        3         1         1.00
2 ER Medium Lasers                           LA        10        2         2.00
SRM-4                                        LA        3         1         1.00
@SRM-4 (25)                                  HD        -         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 12

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 17
6j         4       4       0       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, SRM 1/1/0
The Pork Chop Express is one of only two Battle Cobras known to be in use by Clan Diamond Shark, isorla from past clashes that has been uncached in the post-Tukkayid rebuilding of the Clan's Touman. Mechwarrior Jack had retired to the merchant caste at the age of twenty-seven and been dealing in agricultural shipping before being recalled. His Battle Cobra's ultra autocannon can be brutally effective if he hits a target squarely, and the all or nothing nature of the configuration reflects the desperation of his last chance.
================================================================================
Loadout Name: Pork Chop Express                              Cost: 4,847,500
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,248

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CASE Locations: RA                                                     0.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ultra AC/20                                  RA        7         8        12.00
@Ultra AC/20 (10)                            RA        -         2         2.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 25

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 12
6          3       3       0       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
Mechwarrior Wang-Chi pilots the Diamond Shark's other Battle Cobra and his personal configuration also uses an autocannon although in a more flexible manner. While it lacks the raw power of some options, the Wang-Chi configuration is relatively forgiving mechwarrior. Having avoided the retirement of his sibkin Jack, Wang-Chi had been training fresh sibkos and the autocannon/laser mix may be based on this perspective.
================================================================================
Loadout Name: Wang-Chi                                       Cost: 4,996,600
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,223

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CASE Locations: RA                                                     0.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LB 10-X AC                                   RA        2         5        10.00
2 ER Medium Lasers                           LA        10        2         2.00
@LB 10-X (Cluster) (10)                      RA        -         1         1.00
@LB 10-X (Slug) (10)                         RA        -         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 24

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 12
6          2       2       1       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, FLK 1/1/1

Um.

I was in a big hurry to slap something together, and ignored the 'Configs only' note - the Battle Cobra is one of those weird things that does arm-mounted weapons only, according to the fluff.  No Torsos.  I started to 'X' out, then decided to save it, and found the last 2 Configs were gone.  I re-created them from my notes, but they have to be re-written.

So, I petition that no self-respecting zombie would support a design dependent on not getting shot in the arms, and would be smart enough to put things behind the largest amount of armor possible.  I decided against finishing it because it seemed to violate the rules, but include it here just in case. I can finish it later - I've run out of computer time, again.   

Please forgive the lack of HMP or Skunkworks; I'd have to ask for a volunteer, or enter it by hand.  I don't have a new name, either.  'Battle Cobra' will do for now.

Battle Cobra

Overview
     Critiqued as a design well past its prime and with relatively few Warriors willing to endorse the design, the Viper’s Battle Cobra was seen as a poor choice for continued production despite its reputation as a well-designed OmniMech.  Seizing the opportunity to renew interest in the design, Khan Perigard Zalman ordered a series of Trials to update the Cobra’s Configurations to better reflect the experiences of Operation: Revival.  Once the competition began, none of the entries showed a clear advantage over their opponents; each conformed to the expected pattern of Endo-Steel skeleton, Standard fusion engine, and heavy armor.  Pod space, a primary concern among most Warriors fell to comparable levels of standard BattleMechs found in the Inner Sphere, resulting in a competition focused more on Configurations and ease of maintenance rather than the durability and endurance extolled by their designers.

Capabilities
     Emphasizing Medium- to Long range weapons, designers limited the Cobra to arm-mounted weapons in an attempt to simplify repair and exchanging weapons pods but historical records showed the Cobra can begin to suffer crippling damage to its arms after an opponent destroys roughly 18% of the total armor.  Realizing the crucial influence of weapons placement on survivability, Scientists and Technicians worked to accommodate Torso-mounted weapons to take advantage of the more heavily protected locations, essentially repudiating the Steel Viper design philosophy that led to the concept.
     While the existing Configurations focused on ammo independence, Warriors noted the inability of the design to contribute while out of line-of-sight to an opponent, leading to a new Primary Configuration.  Retaining an ER-PPC for long-range firepower, engineers placed a single ER-Medium and –Small Laser in each arm to provide the widest possible field of fire at Medium- and Short range.  Two additional Heat Sinks limit heat build-up, while the –P can contribute to the defense of friendly forces out of line-of-sight with a single LRM-5 placed in each of the Left- and Right Torsos.  Both launchers share a single ton of ammunition, forcing the pilot to conserve ammunition carefully.
     Taking into account the success of the existing –A Configuration when fighting at close-quarters, it was deemed adequate and no attempt was made to modify it.
     Alternate Configuration B, with two of the largest, most advanced energy weapons available failed to properly cool them, forcing pilots to restrict themselves to a single weapon.  Seeking to eliminate this handicap, designers once again placed a single ER-PPC in the Center Torso.  Noting the value of a fast, mobile sniper to counter Inner Sphere units that had embraced the concept, engineers fitted MASC and Jump Jets to allow it to move quickly over rough terrain.  As a concession to the average Warrior of other Clans, both a complex Targeting Computer and TAG were added to ensure the quick destruction of the target.

     Alternate Configuration C -Anti-aircraft and armor role, w/anti-infantry possible when ammunition supplies are ample

LB-10X, 2 ammo
ECM Suite
ER-ML

     Alternate Configuration D - Artillery role

8 LRM-5, 4 ammo
2 ER-ML

Well, hopefully it gets the nod while I do the last bit.  Not much point using the torsos, etc., are a no-no.

Welcome to the contests Red Pins! At least the Battle Cobra is an excellent Elemental carrier with no torso mounted weapons.

I was just being a bit cheeky drak, very nice!

Looking forward to seeing yours Abele.

Nor mine.

Just to be clear, are we bound by fluff describing pod space in the arms only?  Because I'll need to rewrite a chunk of mine if that's the case.

Battle Cobra

First sighted by the Draconis Combine where the Battle Cobra earned the name Nozuchi, a fat snake like demon of Japanese legend for its squat, broad form and clearly cobra esque stylizing, the Battle Cobra whilst derided by some Warriors as being little more than a standard Mech became quite popular.  ComStar referred to the Battle Cobra as the Hooded Cobra for its wide shoulders and stylized hull features. 

Due to the lack of an XL engine, it didn’t require much to produce and the Diamond Sharks were more than willing to provide the Ferro-Fibrous plates and Endo-steel bones to those Clans who’s production capabilities were more limited.  This combined with the Quicksilver programs refits saw a considerable growth in the number of Battle Cobra's deployed across Clan Space and those encountered in the Inner Sphere. 
Rugged and simple to maintain as well as being easy to carry due to its compact frame the Battle Cobra was seen as a quick and cheap fix for Clans who needed to rebuild their battered Tourmans after Tukkayid.  Its surprizing durability also stood the Mech in good stead as part of the Quicksilver programme. 


Prime - A Clan Blood Spirit development, the Battle Cobra’s expensive to produce and more difficult to repair and maintain large pulse lasers were stripped out in favour of their beloved ER Large lasers.  The Scientists did initially add a LRM-15 but heat concerns saw this downgraded to an LRM-10 whilst an ER small laser was buried under the cockpit.  The result is a long-range harasser that does not suffer too badly from the usual Clan problems of heat. 
Clan Steel Viper and Cloud Cobra both copied the design and mixed them with Stars of pre-Quicksilver Battle Cobra Primes and the combined long range firepower and mid-range punch was a threat that few could ignore.

Battle Cobra Prime
Clan TW
40 tons 
BV: 1,550
Cost: 4,895,188 C-bills

Movement: 6/9
Engine: 240
Heat Sinks: 12 [24]
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 67 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 124/137 (Ferro-Fibrous)
                     Internal    Armor
--------------------------------------
Center Torso               12       16
Center Torso (rear)                  5
Right Torso                10       14
Right Torso (rear)                   5
Left Torso                 10       14
Left Torso (rear)                    5
Right Arm                   6       11
Left Arm                    6       11
Right Leg                  10       17
Left Leg                   10       17

Weapon                         Loc  Heat
----------------------------------------
ER Large Laser                 None    12
ER Large Laser                 None    12
LRM 10                         None     4
ER Small Laser                 None     2

Ammo                           Loc Shots
----------------------------------------
LRM 10 Ammo                    None    12

A – Initially developed by Warrior Harken, a Steel Viper Warrior who was tasked with countering insurgents within the Viper worlds within their OZ, the A trades its long-range firepower for a blistering fusillade of firepower at short ranges that can cut through infantry and hostile vehicles very quickly with a torrent of laser energy.  This was made all the more lethal with the addition of a targeting computer.  Upon seeing a ROM of the Mech in action, the Goliath Scorpions immediately replicated the design before trading it to the Mandrils and Spirits (whom rejected the variant).

With a staggering 10 ER small lasers supported by two small pulse lasers the A can carve up hostile targets very quickly, whilst a pair of ER medium lasers serve as the Mech’s long ranged bite.  Firing all the weapons can result in vicious heat spikes though, but the damage it can do is staggering, especially for a 40-ton design.

Battle Cobra A
Clan TW
40 tons 
BV: 1,651
Cost: 4,526,375 C-bills

Movement: 6/9
Engine: 240
Heat Sinks: 13 [26]
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 67 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 124/137 (Ferro-Fibrous)
                     Internal    Armor
--------------------------------------
Center Torso               12       16
Center Torso (rear)                  5
Right Torso                10       14
Right Torso (rear)                   5
Left Torso                 10       14
Left Torso (rear)                    5
Right Arm                   6       11
Left Arm                    6       11
Right Leg                  10       17
Left Leg                   10       17

Weapon                         Loc  Heat
----------------------------------------
ER Small Laser                  LA     2
ER Small Laser                  LA     2
ER Small Laser                  LA     2
ER Small Laser                  LA     2
ER Small Laser                  LA     2
ER Small Laser                  RA     2
ER Small Laser                  RA     2
ER Small Laser                  RA     2
ER Small Laser                  RA     2
ER Small Laser                  RA     2
Small Pulse Laser               LA     2
Small Pulse Laser               RA     2
ER Medium Laser                 LA     5
ER Medium Laser                 RA     5

Equipment                      Loc
----------------------------------
Targeting Computer              RT

B – Designed by Clan Fire Mandril the B is a support unit and can pelt an opponent at long range with its dual LRM-10’s.  Each of these launchers is fitted with an Artemis V for improved accuracy whilst a total of four tons of ammo can keep the B in battle far longer than most Clan Mech’s or even Inner Sphere forces.  For shorter ranged defence a trio of ER Medium lasers provide a heavy punch and deterrent whilst also allowing the B to finish off weakened opponents.  The endurance of the B combined with the Mech’s toughness and tenacity also made it popular with the Burrocks who Trialled for the design and won it.

B – Designed by Clan Fire Mandril the B is a support unit and can pelt an opponent at long range with its dual LRM-10’s.  Each of these launchers is fitted with an Artemis V for improved accuracy whilst a total of four tons of ammo can keep the B in battle far longer than most Clan Mech’s or even Inner Sphere forces.  For shorter ranged defence a trio of ER Medium lasers provide a heavy punch and deterrent whilst also allowing the B to finish off weakened opponents.  The endurance of the B combined with the Mech’s toughness and tenacity also made it popular with the Burrocks who Trialled for the design and won it.

Battle Cobra B
Clan TW
40 tons 
BV: 1,549
Cost: 5,467,000 C-bills

Movement: 6/9
Engine: 240
Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 67 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 124/137 (Ferro-Fibrous)
                     Internal    Armor
--------------------------------------
Center Torso               12       16
Center Torso (rear)                  5
Right Torso                10       14
Right Torso (rear)                   5
Left Torso                 10       14
Left Torso (rear)                    5
Right Arm                   6       11
Left Arm                    6       11
Right Leg                  10       17
Left Leg                   10       17

Weapon                         Loc  Heat
----------------------------------------
LRM 10                          LA     4
LRM 10                          RA     4
ER Medium Laser                 LT     5
ER Medium Laser                 RT     5
ER Medium Laser                 HD     5

Ammo                           Loc Shots
----------------------------------------
LRM 10 (Clan) Artemis-capable Ammo  LA    12
LRM 10 (Clan) Artemis-capable Ammo  RA    12
LRM 10 (Clan) Artemis-capable Ammo  LA    12
LRM 10 (Clan) Artemis-capable Ammo  RA    12

Equipment                      Loc
----------------------------------
Artemis IV FCS                  LA
Artemis IV FCS                  RA

!MechView.CarringCapacity!One battle armor squad


C – Coming from Clan Burrock the C was designed to burrow through hostile Mech’s and hunt down faster forces, to this end it is a combination of the pre-Quicksilver Prime and A.  Armed with a Large pulse laser and a quartet of Medium pulse lasers the C combines accuracy and heavy firepower at the cost of some range and a moderate heat spike.  The C proved to be especially potent in an ambush situation in built up terrain where it could bring its heavy firepower to bare at short range with very high chances of hitting.  Of minor note, this was also the first Battle Cobra to have hand actuators, with the lasers mounted around the hand, or under the barrel like forearm in the case of the large pulse laser.

Battle Cobra C
Clan TW
40 tons 
BV: 1,683
Cost: 4,664,450 C-bills

Movement: 6/9
Engine: 240
Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 67 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 124/137 (Ferro-Fibrous)
                     Internal    Armor
--------------------------------------
Center Torso               12       16
Center Torso (rear)                  5
Right Torso                10       14
Right Torso (rear)                   5
Left Torso                 10       14
Left Torso (rear)                    5
Right Arm                   6       11
Left Arm                    6       11
Right Leg                  10       17
Left Leg                   10       17

Weapon                         Loc  Heat
----------------------------------------
Large Pulse Laser               LA    10
Medium Pulse Laser              RA     4
Medium Pulse Laser              RA     4
Medium Pulse Laser              RA     4
Medium Pulse Laser              RA     4


!MechView.CarringCapacity!One battle armor squad

D – A joint Viper/Cloud Cobra variant, the D is designed to counter Aerospace and vehicle forces whilst still being able to engage hostile Mechs.  Initial tests with an LB-10 autocannon found that the Mech’s shoulder joints were not able to take the recoil forces involved with the gun firing without suffering undue wear and tear on the actuators.  The weight of the big gun also severely limited other options.  Thus, the LB-10 was replaced with a lighter LB-5 which was fed by two tons of ammunition instead of the one of the LB-10.  With far greater battlefield endurance and a greater range the LB-5 was found to be an adequate weapon against ground and air targets as the cluster shells could foul hostile vehicles motive systems whilst shredding an aerospace fighters control surfaces. 
Four ER medium lasers fill out the final armament whilst an ECM can help jam hostile electronics or fool strafing aerospace fighters with ghost targets.  Although it was more expensive to produce, this also made it popular with the Spirits, and their opponents aerospace assets soon learned that a dug in Battle Cobra D was a tough and dangerous opponent.

Battle Cobra D
Clan TW
40 tons 
BV: 1,522
Cost: 5,313,000 C-bills

Movement: 6/9
Engine: 240
Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 67 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 124/137 (Ferro-Fibrous)
                     Internal    Armor
--------------------------------------
Center Torso               12       16
Center Torso (rear)                  5
Right Torso                10       14
Right Torso (rear)                   5
Left Torso                 10       14
Left Torso (rear)                    5
Right Arm                   6       11
Left Arm                    6       11
Right Leg                  10       17
Left Leg                   10       17

Weapon                         Loc  Heat
----------------------------------------
LB 5-X AC                       LA     1
ER Medium Laser                 RA     5
ER Medium Laser                 RA     5
ER Medium Laser                 RA     5
ER Medium Laser                 RA     5

Ammo                           Loc Shots
----------------------------------------
LB 5-X AC Ammo                  LA    20
LB 5-X Cluster Ammo             LA    20

Equipment                      Loc
----------------------------------
ECM Suite                       HD

!MechView.CarringCapacity!One battle armor squad


E – Coming from Clan Cloud Cobra, the E is another close-range brawler, but with higher technology weapons than the A.  A pair of Streak SRM-6’s form the main armament, whilst paired ER medium lasers and a pair of medium pulse lasers round out the armament. 
The Streak missiles were found to be particularly effective against Elementals and hostile vehicles and they started paring the D with the E for maximum flexibility.  That the E also used the same missile launchers as the Crossbow and its TTS also saved on construction costs and allowed cross-compatibility were also positive marks.

Battle Cobra E
Clan TW
40 tons 
BV: 1,676
Cost: 5,026,000 C-bills

Movement: 6/9
Engine: 240
Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 67 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 124/137 (Ferro-Fibrous)
                     Internal    Armor
--------------------------------------
Center Torso               12       16
Center Torso (rear)                  5
Right Torso                10       14
Right Torso (rear)                   5
Left Torso                 10       14
Left Torso (rear)                    5
Right Arm                   6       11
Left Arm                    6       11
Right Leg                  10       17
Left Leg                   10       17

Weapon                         Loc  Heat
----------------------------------------
Streak SRM 6                    LA     4
Streak SRM 6                    RA     4
Medium Pulse Laser              LA     4
Medium Pulse Laser              RA     4
ER Medium Laser                 LA     5
ER Medium Laser                 RA     5

Ammo                           Loc Shots
----------------------------------------
Streak SRM 6 Ammo               LA    15
Streak SRM 6 Ammo               RA    15


!MechView.CarringCapacity!One battle armor squad



You can't change the design stat wise whatsoever but fluff wise go right ahead.

Think it would be sort of cool if this design is the most radically upgraded.

It probably will be.  When the subject of 'zombie' comes in, the thought of leaving weapons bigger than a ML or L-PPC in the arms makes me wince.  I want my major weapons behind as much armor as possible, and dang the field of fire.  That's what rear-mounted weapons are for.