Cobra Attains Night Strike Capability - 2002
In 1997, America released some equipment for Cobras, under Brown Amendment. The most important item was the C-Nite kits. Twenty seven of these kits when later received were without any proper literature and moreover only eight telescopic sights had been modified with C-Nite Forward looking Infra Red Radar(FLIR). These kits were vital to attain the capability of firing at night. Modification process started on 11 th February 1998 and after years of hard work and ingenuity of mind from all concerned, the very capability was achieved on 28 lh February 2002. On 27th February, a night prior to final demonstration, a full dress rehearsal was arranged at Khudai Ranges all preparations were good except the firing result. Out of four only one TOW hit the target. This last minute performance shocked everyone as VCOAS (Gen. Yousaf) and 16 other senior officers of army were to witness it. Consequently complete headquarters alongwith GOC, Maj. Gen. Azam remained awake and tense till small hours of the morning while technicians worked on the C-Nite system of Cobras. Problems were mainly due to bore sighting of the C-Nite which were duly resolved.
On 28th February at 1730hours before the arrival of guests the weather started getting bad to worst with every passing moment and started drizzling. However, keeping in view the historic value of the moment and proficiency level of his pilots, commander combat group decided that 'demo' will continue. Combat Group digest of service records "every passing moment was increasing the heart beat of Combat pilots, everyone was sitting finger crossed and gazing in the dark, only helicopter sound was audible. Initially three cobras displayed nap of earth flying with NVGs, next came cannon firing which made the night colourful with the tracers drawing beautiful lines in the pitch dark night and bursting on impact like fire works. One cobra got disoriented and came very close to the stand. Then came the final moment, targets were made visible by hurricane lamps. The first TOW was fired by Lieutenant Colonel Wasim Akhtar Malik, the bulls eye impact was greeted by a loud applause and Nara-e-Takbeer. With each hit the emotions of combat pilots and all present were getting more and more visible, when all four hits were achieved the VCOAS and other senior officers congratulated everyone and a festive and jubilant mood prevailed.