FIM-92 Stinger vs Rapier
The FIM-92 Stinger and the Rapier are both Surface-to-Air missiles. Range is 8 km for the FIM-92 Stinger vs 8 km for the Rapier. The FIM-92 Stinger reaches 2,716 km/h vs 3,700 km/h for the Rapier. The FIM-92 Stinger carries a 3 kg warhead vs 1 kg for the Rapier. Launch weight is 15 kg for the FIM-92 Stinger vs 43 kg for the Rapier. The FIM-92 Stinger uses Infrared homing guidance, while the Rapier relies on Semi-automatic command to line of sight. The FIM-92 Stinger has been produced in 70,000 units vs 25,000 for the Rapier. The Rapier entered service 10 years before the FIM-92 Stinger (1971 vs 1981).
| American portable surface-to-air missile, entered service in 1981, uses infrared homing to engage targets. | |
| Origin | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Surface-to-Air |
| Type | Portable infrared surface-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | General Dynamics |
| Service year | 1981 |
| Number produced | 70,000 units |
| Estimated unit price | $0.1 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 | 8.0 km â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 2.2 â—‰ |
| Weight | 15 kg â—‰ |
| Warhead | 3.0 kg â—‰ |
| Length | 1.52 m â—‰ |
| Diameter | 70 mm â—‰ |
| Guidance | Infrared homing |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
| 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 FIM-92 Stinger or Rapier?
The Rapier has a longer range at 8 km compared to the FIM-92 Stinger's 8 km.
Which is faster, the FIM-92 Stinger or Rapier?
The Rapier is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 3.0 compared to the FIM-92 Stinger's Mach 2.2.
Which has a larger warhead, the FIM-92 Stinger or Rapier?
The FIM-92 Stinger carries a larger warhead at 3 kg compared to the Rapier's 1 kg.
Which is heavier, the FIM-92 Stinger or Rapier?
The Rapier is heavier at 43 kg compared to the FIM-92 Stinger's 15 kg.
Which is longer, the FIM-92 Stinger or Rapier?
The Rapier is longer at 2.24 meters compared to the FIM-92 Stinger's 1.52 meters.
What guidance systems do the FIM-92 Stinger and Rapier use?
The FIM-92 Stinger uses Infrared homing guidance while the Rapier uses Semi-automatic command to line of sight guidance.
Which entered service first, the FIM-92 Stinger or Rapier?
The Rapier entered service first in 1971, 10 years before the FIM-92 Stinger which entered service in 1981.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the FIM-92 Stinger or Rapier?
The FIM-92 Stinger has been produced in greater numbers with 70,000 units compared to 25,000 units of the Rapier.