MIM-104 Patriot vs MIM-14 Nike Hercules

The MIM-104 Patriot and the MIM-14 Nike Hercules are both Surface-to-Air missiles. Range is 160 km for the MIM-104 Patriot vs 140 km for the MIM-14 Nike Hercules. The MIM-104 Patriot reaches 6,170 km/h vs 4,900 km/h for the MIM-14 Nike Hercules. The MIM-104 Patriot carries a 90 kg warhead vs 500 kg for the MIM-14 Nike Hercules. Launch weight is 900 kg for the MIM-104 Patriot vs 4,850 kg for the MIM-14 Nike Hercules. The MIM-104 Patriot uses Dual mode (Ir homing and active radar homing) guidance, while the MIM-14 Nike Hercules relies on Command guidance. The MIM-104 Patriot has been produced in 10,000 units vs 25,000 for the MIM-14 Nike Hercules. Unit cost is $7M for the MIM-104 Patriot vs $3M for the MIM-14 Nike Hercules. The MIM-14 Nike Hercules entered service 23 years before the MIM-104 Patriot (1958 vs 1981).

American surface-to-air missile, entered service in 1981, uses dual-mode guidance to intercept targets at Mach 5.
Origin 🇺🇸 United States
Category Surface-to-Air
Type Radar-guided surface-to-air missile
Manufacturer Raytheon
Service year 1981
Number produced 10,000 units
Estimated unit price $7 million
American surface-to-air missile, entered service in 1958, utilized command guidance to intercept targets.
Origin 🇺🇸 United States
Category Surface-to-Air
Type Radar-guided surface-to-air missile
Manufacturer Bell
Service year 1958
Number produced 25,000 units
Estimated unit price $3 million
Range 160.0 km â—‰
Maximum speed Mach 5.0 â—‰
Weight 900 kg â—‰
Warhead 90.0 kg â—‰
Length 5.30 m â—‰
Diameter 290 mm â—‰
Guidance Dual mode (Ir homing and active radar homing)
Warhead type High Explosive
Range 140.0 km â—‰
Maximum speed Mach 4.0 â—‰
Weight 4,850 kg â—‰
Warhead 500.0 kg â—‰
Length 12.53 m â—‰
Diameter 800 mm â—‰
Guidance Command guidance
Warhead type High Explosive

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has longer range, the MIM-104 Patriot or MIM-14 Nike Hercules?
The MIM-104 Patriot has a longer range at 160 km compared to the MIM-14 Nike Hercules's 140 km.
Which is faster, the MIM-104 Patriot or MIM-14 Nike Hercules?
The MIM-104 Patriot is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 5.0 compared to the MIM-14 Nike Hercules's Mach 4.0.
Which has a larger warhead, the MIM-104 Patriot or MIM-14 Nike Hercules?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules carries a larger warhead at 500 kg compared to the MIM-104 Patriot's 90 kg.
Which is heavier, the MIM-104 Patriot or MIM-14 Nike Hercules?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules is heavier at 4,850 kg compared to the MIM-104 Patriot's 900 kg.
Which is longer, the MIM-104 Patriot or MIM-14 Nike Hercules?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules is longer at 12.53 meters compared to the MIM-104 Patriot's 5.30 meters.
What guidance systems do the MIM-104 Patriot and MIM-14 Nike Hercules use?
The MIM-104 Patriot uses Dual mode (Ir homing and active radar homing) guidance while the MIM-14 Nike Hercules uses Command guidance guidance.
Which entered service first, the MIM-104 Patriot or MIM-14 Nike Hercules?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules entered service first in 1958, 23 years before the MIM-104 Patriot which entered service in 1981.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MIM-104 Patriot or MIM-14 Nike Hercules?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules has been produced in greater numbers with 25,000 units compared to 10,000 units of the MIM-104 Patriot.