Aster 15 / 30 vs MIM-14 Nike Hercules
The Aster 15 / 30 and the MIM-14 Nike Hercules are both Surface-to-Air missiles. Range is 120 km for the Aster 15 / 30 vs 140 km for the MIM-14 Nike Hercules. The Aster 15 / 30 reaches 5,556 km/h vs 4,900 km/h for the MIM-14 Nike Hercules. The Aster 15 / 30 carries a 15 kg warhead vs 500 kg for the MIM-14 Nike Hercules. Launch weight is 510 kg for the Aster 15 / 30 vs 4,850 kg for the MIM-14 Nike Hercules. The Aster 15 / 30 uses Inertial guidance with up-link and active RF seeker guidance, while the MIM-14 Nike Hercules relies on Command guidance. The MIM-14 Nike Hercules entered service 43 years before the Aster 15 / 30 (1958 vs 2001).
| French surface-to-air missile, entered service in 2001, using inertial guidance with active RF seeker. | |
| Origin | 🇫🇷 France |
| Category | Surface-to-Air |
| Type | Radar-guided surface-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Euromissile |
| Service year | 2001 |
| Number produced | -- units |
| Estimated unit price | NA |
| American surface-to-air missile, entered service in 1958, utilized command guidance to intercept targets. | |
| Origin | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Surface-to-Air |
| Type | Radar-guided surface-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Bell |
| Service year | 1958 |
| Number produced | 25,000 units |
| Estimated unit price | $3 million |
| Range | 120.0 km â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 4.5 â—‰ |
| Weight | 510 kg â—‰ |
| Warhead | 15.0 kg â—‰ |
| Length | 4.20 m â—‰ |
| Diameter | 180 mm â—‰ |
| Guidance | Inertial guidance with up-link and active RF seeker |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
| Range | 140.0 km â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 4.0 â—‰ |
| Weight | 4,850 kg â—‰ |
| Warhead | 500.0 kg â—‰ |
| Length | 12.53 m â—‰ |
| Diameter | 800 mm â—‰ |
| Guidance | Command guidance |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the Aster 15 / 30 or MIM-14 Nike Hercules?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules has a longer range at 140 km compared to the Aster 15 / 30's 120 km.
Which is faster, the Aster 15 / 30 or MIM-14 Nike Hercules?
The Aster 15 / 30 is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 4.5 compared to the MIM-14 Nike Hercules's Mach 4.0.
Which has a larger warhead, the Aster 15 / 30 or MIM-14 Nike Hercules?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules carries a larger warhead at 500 kg compared to the Aster 15 / 30's 15 kg.
Which is heavier, the Aster 15 / 30 or MIM-14 Nike Hercules?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules is heavier at 4,850 kg compared to the Aster 15 / 30's 510 kg.
Which is longer, the Aster 15 / 30 or MIM-14 Nike Hercules?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules is longer at 12.53 meters compared to the Aster 15 / 30's 4.20 meters.
What guidance systems do the Aster 15 / 30 and MIM-14 Nike Hercules use?
The Aster 15 / 30 uses Inertial guidance with up-link and active RF seeker guidance while the MIM-14 Nike Hercules uses Command guidance guidance.
Which entered service first, the Aster 15 / 30 or MIM-14 Nike Hercules?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules entered service first in 1958, 43 years before the Aster 15 / 30 which entered service in 2001.