HQ-17 vs Rapier

Overview

The HQ-17 and the Rapier are both Surface-to-Air missiles.

Range is 15 km for the HQ-17 vs 8 km for the Rapier. The HQ-17 reaches 3,704 km/h vs 3,700 km/h for the Rapier. The HQ-17 carries a 15 kg warhead vs 1 kg for the Rapier. Launch weight is 165 kg for the HQ-17 vs 43 kg for the Rapier. The HQ-17 uses Semi-active radar homing guidance, while the Rapier relies on Semi-automatic command to line of sight.

The Rapier entered service 42 years before the HQ-17 (1971 vs 2013).

Chinese short-range surface-to-air missile, entered service in 2013, uses semi-active radar homing for guidance.
Origin 🇨🇳 China
Category Surface-to-Air
Type Short-range surface-to-air missile
Manufacturer China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation
Service year 2013
Number produced -- units
Estimated unit price NA
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
Maximum speed Mach 3.0
Weight 165 kg
Warhead 15.0 kg
Length 2.90 m
Diameter 230 mm
Guidance Semi-active radar homing
Warhead type HE-FRAG
Range 8.2 km
Maximum speed Mach 3.0
Weight 43 kg
Warhead 1.0 kg
Length 2.24 m
Diameter 133 mm
Guidance Semi-automatic command to line of sight
Warhead type High Explosive

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has longer range, the HQ-17 or Rapier?
The HQ-17 has a longer range at 15 km compared to the Rapier's 8 km.
Which is faster, the HQ-17 or Rapier?
The HQ-17 is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 3.0 compared to the Rapier's Mach 3.0.
Which has a larger warhead, the HQ-17 or Rapier?
The HQ-17 carries a larger warhead at 15 kg compared to the Rapier's 1 kg.
Which is heavier, the HQ-17 or Rapier?
The HQ-17 is heavier at 165 kg compared to the Rapier's 43 kg.
Which is longer, the HQ-17 or Rapier?
The HQ-17 is longer at 2.90 meters compared to the Rapier's 2.24 meters.
What guidance systems do the HQ-17 and Rapier use?
The HQ-17 uses Semi-active radar homing guidance while the Rapier uses Semi-automatic command to line of sight guidance.
Which entered service first, the HQ-17 or Rapier?
The Rapier entered service first in 1971, 42 years before the HQ-17 which entered service in 2013.