HQ-61 vs Rapier
The HQ-61 and the Rapier are both Surface-to-Air missiles. Range is 10 km for the HQ-61 vs 8 km for the Rapier. The HQ-61 reaches 3,704 km/h vs 3,700 km/h for the Rapier. The HQ-61 carries a 42 kg warhead vs 1 kg for the Rapier. Launch weight is 320 kg for the HQ-61 vs 43 kg for the Rapier. The HQ-61 uses Semi-Active Radar Homing guidance, while the Rapier relies on Semi-automatic command to line of sight. The Rapier entered service 30 years before the HQ-61 (1971 vs 2001).
| Chinese surface-to-air missile, entered service in 2001, uses semi-active radar homing guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇨🇳 China |
| Category | Surface-to-Air |
| Type | Radar-guided surface-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology |
| Service year | 2001 |
| 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 | 10.0 km â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 3.0 â—‰ |
| Weight | 320 kg â—‰ |
| Warhead | 42.0 kg â—‰ |
| Length | 4.00 m â—‰ |
| Diameter | 280 mm â—‰ |
| Guidance | Semi-Active Radar 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 HQ-61 or Rapier?
The HQ-61 has a longer range at 10 km compared to the Rapier's 8 km.
Which is faster, the HQ-61 or Rapier?
The HQ-61 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-61 or Rapier?
The HQ-61 carries a larger warhead at 42 kg compared to the Rapier's 1 kg.
Which is heavier, the HQ-61 or Rapier?
The HQ-61 is heavier at 320 kg compared to the Rapier's 43 kg.
Which is longer, the HQ-61 or Rapier?
The HQ-61 is longer at 4.00 meters compared to the Rapier's 2.24 meters.
What guidance systems do the HQ-61 and Rapier use?
The HQ-61 uses Semi-Active Radar Homing guidance while the Rapier uses Semi-automatic command to line of sight guidance.
Which entered service first, the HQ-61 or Rapier?
The Rapier entered service first in 1971, 30 years before the HQ-61 which entered service in 2001.