Crotale vs Rapier
The Crotale and the Rapier are both Surface-to-Air missiles. Range is 15 km for the Crotale vs 8 km for the Rapier. The Crotale reaches 4,284 km/h vs 3,700 km/h for the Rapier. The Crotale carries a 13 kg warhead vs 1 kg for the Rapier. Launch weight is 95 kg for the Crotale vs 43 kg for the Rapier. The Crotale uses Radar et infrarouge guidance, while the Rapier relies on Semi-automatic command to line of sight. The Crotale has been produced in 6,600 units vs 25,000 for the Rapier.
| French surface-to-air missile, entered service in 1971, uses radar and infrared guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇫🇷 France |
| Category | Surface-to-Air |
| Type | Radar-guided surface-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Thales |
| Service year | 1971 |
| Number produced | 6,600 units |
| Estimated unit price | $12 million |
| British surface-to-air missile, entered service in 1971, utilizes semi-automatic command to line of sight guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
| Category | Surface-to-Air |
| Type | Radar-guided surface-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | British Aerospace |
| Service year | 1971 |
| Number produced | 25,000 units |
| Estimated unit price | NA |
| Range | 15.0 km â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 3.5 â—‰ |
| Weight | 95 kg â—‰ |
| Warhead | 13.0 kg â—‰ |
| Length | 2.34 m â—‰ |
| Diameter | 160 mm â—‰ |
| Guidance | Radar et infrarouge |
| Warhead type | Préfragmentée à gerbe focalisée |
| Range | 8.2 km â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 3.0 â—‰ |
| Weight | 43 kg â—‰ |
| Warhead | 1.0 kg â—‰ |
| Length | 2.24 m â—‰ |
| Diameter | 133 mm â—‰ |
| Guidance | Semi-automatic command to line of sight |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the Crotale or Rapier?
The Crotale has a longer range at 15 km compared to the Rapier's 8 km.
Which is faster, the Crotale or Rapier?
The Crotale is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 3.5 compared to the Rapier's Mach 3.0.
Which has a larger warhead, the Crotale or Rapier?
The Crotale carries a larger warhead at 13 kg compared to the Rapier's 1 kg.
Which is heavier, the Crotale or Rapier?
The Crotale is heavier at 95 kg compared to the Rapier's 43 kg.
Which is longer, the Crotale or Rapier?
The Crotale is longer at 2.34 meters compared to the Rapier's 2.24 meters.
What guidance systems do the Crotale and Rapier use?
The Crotale uses Radar et infrarouge guidance while the Rapier uses Semi-automatic command to line of sight guidance.
Which entered service first, the Crotale or Rapier?
Both the Crotale and Rapier entered service in the same year: 1971.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Crotale or Rapier?
The Rapier has been produced in greater numbers with 25,000 units compared to 6,600 units of the Crotale.