HQ-7 vs Rapier

The HQ-7 and the Rapier are both Surface-to-Air missiles. Range is 12 km for the HQ-7 vs 8 km for the Rapier. The HQ-7 reaches 2,700 km/h vs 3,700 km/h for the Rapier. The HQ-7 carries a 15 kg warhead vs 1 kg for the Rapier. Launch weight is 85 kg for the HQ-7 vs 43 kg for the Rapier. The HQ-7 uses Command-guided, Infrared homing guidance, while the Rapier relies on Semi-automatic command to line of sight. The Rapier entered service 9 years before the HQ-7 (1971 vs 1980).

Chinese surface-to-air missile, entered service in 1980, utilizes command-guided and infrared homing.
Origin 🇨🇳 China
Category Surface-to-Air
Type Short range surface-to-air missile
Manufacturer Changfeng Electromechanical Technology Design Institute
Service year 1980
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 12.0 km
Maximum speed Mach 2.2
Weight 85 kg
Warhead 15.0 kg
Length 3.00 m
Diameter 150 mm
Guidance Command-guided, Infrared homing
Warhead type High Explosive
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-7 or Rapier?
The HQ-7 has a longer range at 12 km compared to the Rapier's 8 km.
Which is faster, the HQ-7 or Rapier?
The Rapier is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 3.0 compared to the HQ-7's Mach 2.2.
Which has a larger warhead, the HQ-7 or Rapier?
The HQ-7 carries a larger warhead at 15 kg compared to the Rapier's 1 kg.
Which is heavier, the HQ-7 or Rapier?
The HQ-7 is heavier at 85 kg compared to the Rapier's 43 kg.
Which is longer, the HQ-7 or Rapier?
The HQ-7 is longer at 3.00 meters compared to the Rapier's 2.24 meters.
What guidance systems do the HQ-7 and Rapier use?
The HQ-7 uses Command-guided, Infrared homing guidance while the Rapier uses Semi-automatic command to line of sight guidance.
Which entered service first, the HQ-7 or Rapier?
The Rapier entered service first in 1971, 9 years before the HQ-7 which entered service in 1980.