Iris-T vs R550 Magic

Overview

The Iris-T and the R550 Magic are both Air-to-Air missiles.

The Iris-T has a range of 25 km — 2.1x the R550 Magic's 12 km. The Iris-T reaches 3,704 km/h vs 3,704 km/h for the R550 Magic. The Iris-T carries a 11.5 kg warhead vs 12.5 kg for the R550 Magic. Launch weight is 87 kg for the Iris-T vs 89 kg for the R550 Magic. The Iris-T uses Imaging infrared homing guidance, while the R550 Magic relies on Infrared homing.

The Iris-T has been produced in 5,000 units vs 11,300 for the R550 Magic. Unit cost is $0.47M for the Iris-T vs $0.09M for the R550 Magic. The R550 Magic entered service 19 years before the Iris-T (1986 vs 2005).

German air-to-air missile, entered service in 2005, uses imaging infrared homing for guidance.
Origin 🇩🇪 Germany
Category Air-to-Air
Type Infrared-guided air-to-air missile
Manufacturer Diehl BGT
Service year 2005
Number produced 5,000 units
Estimated unit price $0.5 million
French air-to-air missile, entering service in 1986, utilizes infrared homing for guidance.
Origin 🇫🇷 France
Category Air-to-Air
Type Infrared-guided air-to-air missile
Manufacturer Matra
Service year 1986
Number produced 11,300 units
Estimated unit price $0.1 million
Range 25.0 km
Maximum speed Mach 3.0
Weight 87 kg
Warhead 11.5 kg
Length 2.94 m
Diameter 127 mm
Guidance Imaging infrared homing
Warhead type High Explosive / Fragmentation
Range 12.0 km
Maximum speed Mach 3.0
Weight 89 kg
Warhead 12.5 kg
Length 2.75 m
Diameter 160 mm
Guidance Infrared homing
Warhead type High Explosive

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has longer range, the Iris-T or R550 Magic?
The Iris-T has a longer range at 25 km compared to the R550 Magic's 12 km.
Which is faster, the Iris-T or R550 Magic?
Both the Iris-T and R550 Magic have the same maximum speed of Mach 3.0.
Which has a larger warhead, the Iris-T or R550 Magic?
The R550 Magic carries a larger warhead at 12 kg compared to the Iris-T's 11 kg.
Which is heavier, the Iris-T or R550 Magic?
The R550 Magic is heavier at 89 kg compared to the Iris-T's 87 kg.
Which is longer, the Iris-T or R550 Magic?
The Iris-T is longer at 2.94 meters compared to the R550 Magic's 2.75 meters.
What guidance systems do the Iris-T and R550 Magic use?
The Iris-T uses Imaging infrared homing guidance while the R550 Magic uses Infrared homing guidance.
Which entered service first, the Iris-T or R550 Magic?
The R550 Magic entered service first in 1986, 19 years before the Iris-T which entered service in 2005.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Iris-T or R550 Magic?
The R550 Magic has been produced in greater numbers with 11,300 units compared to 5,000 units of the Iris-T.