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4

  • Cobra stub wings has 4 rocket launchers in 2 sizes holding 2.75-inch rockets, larger one is M20/19, smaller one is M157 rocket launcher. Rockets also called "Hydra 70" with high-explosive warhead for anti-personnel / soft-skinned vehicles, or armor-piercing for tanks / armor personnel carriers. Hydra 70 - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydra_70

  • Rocket pods painted acrylic US Olive Drab (same color as fuselage), inner area hand-painted acrylic Flat Black and enamel Testor Chrome for front/rear rims.

  • Rollover : ( Rollover JPG link ) For snugged fitting, all Hydra 70 rocket pods superglued onto wing stubs, M157 rocket tubes had added stability of metal pins drilled into wing & pod. Hydra-70 Rocket System - www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/hydra-70.htm

  • Cobra pict

    Cobra 2.75-inch rockets also called "Hydra 70" (70mm = 2.75-inch), referred to MK66 rocket motor propelling the warhead.

    This arrangement provided standard rocket armament for chopper and fixed-wing aircrafts. Photo shows MK19/20 launch tubes holding these rockets.

    Hydra 70 2.75 inch Rockets | Aircav

    As with all new technology, it had its quarks. MK66 Model 1 could misfired by HERO (Hazard of Electronic Radiation to Ordnance).

    Fancy jargon meaning rocket motor can self-ignite by electro-magnetic radiation, such as US Navy shipboard communication signals. Anomaly was corrected by Model 2 and Model 3 versions.

    Air-Launched 2.75-Inch Rockets | DSN

     
    Cobra pict

    New weapon systems meant new mishaps until "machinery teething" is worked out.

    Cobra piloted by Capt. Carney crash landed during test flight near Lai Khe - South Vietnam.

    Cobra lost power mid-flight, did belly-up landing, then flip rested to one side. Crew walked away unharmed.

    Lai Khe & The First Infantry Division Vietnam War | YouTube

     
    Cobra pict

    This crash resulted from enemy AAA fire.

    11 Apr 1972, "Blue Max" Cobra covering "Slicks" (nickname for Huey transports) for An Loc troop reinforcement, hit in fuel cell and crash landed close to Lai Khe airbase.

    Cobra Crash - McIntyre and Jackson | Jetter.net

    Cobra crew McIntyre and Jackson walked away unharmed. Ground crew in photo salvaging parts for re-use.

     
    Cobra pict

    Not always war and destruction, de-militarized Cobra used by NASA Ames Research center as observation chase plane, 4 June 1990.

    NASA Ames Research Center | Nasa.gov

    Note Cobra retained L-scoop engine nozzle, deflecting exhaust into propeller blades to dissipate heat signature.

    Enhancement based on combat recommendation from Cobra crew Brown / Cordon from their June 1972 aerial engagement over An Loc - South Vietnam.

     
    Cobra pict

    Fearing Cobra model be tail-heavy, made sure front section held majority of weight by inserting 2 metal screws in nose section.

    A cavity existed underneath weapons officer position, thus screws inserted via chin turret opening underneath nose cone.

    Screws smeared with Walmart Plummer's Glue (a gooey paste that did not run), placed into cavity.

    Cobra pict M19/20 and M157 rocket tubes + Hydra 70 rockets assembly, red ceramic putty filled in gaps and ready for sanding
    Cobra pict Another spray of grey primer shows areas needing touch-up red putty
    Cobra pict Same extra putty fix for chin turret area
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