HQ-9 vs Rapier
The HQ-9 and the Rapier are both Surface-to-Air missiles. The HQ-9 has a range of 200 km — 24:1 the Rapier's 8 km. The HQ-9 reaches 4,939 km/h vs 3,700 km/h for the Rapier. The HQ-9 carries a 180 kg warhead vs 1 kg for the Rapier. Launch weight is 2,000 kg for the HQ-9 vs 43 kg for the Rapier. The HQ-9 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-9 (1971 vs 2001).
| Chinese surface-to-air missile, entered service in 2001, uses semi-active radar homing. | |
| Origin | 🇨🇳 China |
| Category | Surface-to-Air |
| Type | Long-range surface-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation |
| 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 | 200.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 4.0 ◉ |
| Weight | 2,000 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 180.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 6.80 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 700 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Semi-active radar 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-9 or Rapier?
The HQ-9 has a longer range at 200 km compared to the Rapier's 8 km.
Which is faster, the HQ-9 or Rapier?
The HQ-9 is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 4.0 compared to the Rapier's Mach 3.0.
Which has a larger warhead, the HQ-9 or Rapier?
The HQ-9 carries a larger warhead at 180 kg compared to the Rapier's 1 kg.
Which is heavier, the HQ-9 or Rapier?
The HQ-9 is heavier at 2,000 kg compared to the Rapier's 43 kg.
Which is longer, the HQ-9 or Rapier?
The HQ-9 is longer at 6.80 meters compared to the Rapier's 2.24 meters.
What guidance systems do the HQ-9 and Rapier use?
The HQ-9 uses Semi-active radar homing guidance while the Rapier uses Semi-automatic command to line of sight guidance.
Which entered service first, the HQ-9 or Rapier?
The Rapier entered service first in 1971, 30 years before the HQ-9 which entered service in 2001.