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Crotale vs Rapier

Crotale vs Rapier at a glance — range 15 vs 8 km, speed 4,284 vs 3,700 km/h, warhead 13 vs 1 kg, launch weight 95 vs 43 kg.

Specifications
Crotale Rapier
Origin 🇫🇷 France 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Surface-to-Air Surface-to-Air
Type Radar-guided surface-to-air missile Radar-guided surface-to-air missile
Manufacturer Thales British Aerospace
Service year 1971 1971
Number produced 6,600 units 25,000 units
Estimated unit price $12 million NA
Range 15.0 km 8.2 km
Maximum speed Mach 3.5 Mach 3.0
Weight 95 kg 43 kg
Warhead 13.0 kg 1.0 kg
Length 2.34 m 2.24 m
Diameter 160 mm 133 mm
Guidance Radar et infrarouge Semi-automatic command to line of sight
Warhead type Préfragmentée à gerbe focalisée High Explosive
Scale Comparison
CROTALE 2.34 m RAPIER 2.24 m 1.75 m
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

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.