AIM-7 Sparrow vs R550 Magic
The AIM-7 Sparrow and the R550 Magic are both Air-to-Air missiles. The AIM-7 Sparrow has a range of 70 km — 5.8x the R550 Magic's 12 km. The AIM-7 Sparrow reaches 4,939 km/h vs 3,704 km/h for the R550 Magic. The AIM-7 Sparrow carries a 39 kg warhead vs 12.5 kg for the R550 Magic. Launch weight is 228 kg for the AIM-7 Sparrow vs 89 kg for the R550 Magic. The AIM-7 Sparrow uses Semi-active radar homing guidance, while the R550 Magic relies on Infrared homing. The AIM-7 Sparrow has been produced in 70,000 units vs 11,300 for the R550 Magic. Unit cost is $0.125M for the AIM-7 Sparrow vs $0.09M for the R550 Magic. The AIM-7 Sparrow entered service 28 years before the R550 Magic (1958 vs 1986).
| American air-to-air missile, entered service in 1958, utilizes semi-active radar homing for guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Air-to-Air |
| Type | Radar-guided air-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Raytheon |
| Service year | 1958 |
| Number produced | 70,000 units |
| Estimated unit price | $0.1 million |
| French air-to-air missile, entering service in 1986, utilizes infrared homing for guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇫🇷 France |
| Category | Air-to-Air |
| Type | Infrared-guided air-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Matra |
| Service year | 1986 |
| Number produced | 11,300 units |
| Estimated unit price | $0.1 million |
| Range | 70.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 4.0 ◉ |
| Weight | 228 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 39.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 3.68 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 203 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Semi-active radar homing |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
| Range | 12.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 3.0 ◉ |
| Weight | 89 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 12.5 kg ◉ |
| Length | 2.75 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 160 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Infrared homing |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the AIM-7 Sparrow or R550 Magic?
The AIM-7 Sparrow has a longer range at 70 km compared to the R550 Magic's 12 km.
Which is faster, the AIM-7 Sparrow or R550 Magic?
The AIM-7 Sparrow is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 4.0 compared to the R550 Magic's Mach 3.0.
Which has a larger warhead, the AIM-7 Sparrow or R550 Magic?
The AIM-7 Sparrow carries a larger warhead at 39 kg compared to the R550 Magic's 12 kg.
Which is heavier, the AIM-7 Sparrow or R550 Magic?
The AIM-7 Sparrow is heavier at 228 kg compared to the R550 Magic's 89 kg.
Which is longer, the AIM-7 Sparrow or R550 Magic?
The AIM-7 Sparrow is longer at 3.68 meters compared to the R550 Magic's 2.75 meters.
What guidance systems do the AIM-7 Sparrow and R550 Magic use?
The AIM-7 Sparrow uses Semi-active radar homing guidance while the R550 Magic uses Infrared homing guidance.
Which entered service first, the AIM-7 Sparrow or R550 Magic?
The AIM-7 Sparrow entered service first in 1958, 28 years before the R550 Magic which entered service in 1986.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AIM-7 Sparrow or R550 Magic?
The AIM-7 Sparrow has been produced in greater numbers with 70,000 units compared to 11,300 units of the R550 Magic.