MIM-104 Patriot vs Rapier
The MIM-104 Patriot and the Rapier are both Surface-to-Air missiles. The MIM-104 Patriot has a range of 160 km — 20:1 the Rapier's 8 km. The MIM-104 Patriot reaches 6,170 km/h vs 3,700 km/h for the Rapier. The MIM-104 Patriot carries a 90 kg warhead vs 1 kg for the Rapier. Launch weight is 900 kg for the MIM-104 Patriot vs 43 kg for the Rapier. The MIM-104 Patriot uses Dual mode (Ir homing and active radar homing) guidance, while the Rapier relies on Semi-automatic command to line of sight. The MIM-104 Patriot has been produced in 10,000 units vs 25,000 for the Rapier. The Rapier entered service 10 years before the MIM-104 Patriot (1971 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 |
| 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 | 160.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 5.0 ◉ |
| Weight | 900 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 90.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 5.30 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 290 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Dual mode (Ir homing and 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 MIM-104 Patriot or Rapier?
The MIM-104 Patriot has a longer range at 160 km compared to the Rapier's 8 km.
Which is faster, the MIM-104 Patriot or Rapier?
The MIM-104 Patriot is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 5.0 compared to the Rapier's Mach 3.0.
Which has a larger warhead, the MIM-104 Patriot or Rapier?
The MIM-104 Patriot carries a larger warhead at 90 kg compared to the Rapier's 1 kg.
Which is heavier, the MIM-104 Patriot or Rapier?
The MIM-104 Patriot is heavier at 900 kg compared to the Rapier's 43 kg.
Which is longer, the MIM-104 Patriot or Rapier?
The MIM-104 Patriot is longer at 5.30 meters compared to the Rapier's 2.24 meters.
What guidance systems do the MIM-104 Patriot and Rapier use?
The MIM-104 Patriot uses Dual mode (Ir homing and active radar homing) guidance while the Rapier uses Semi-automatic command to line of sight guidance.
Which entered service first, the MIM-104 Patriot or Rapier?
The Rapier entered service first in 1971, 10 years before the MIM-104 Patriot which entered service in 1981.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MIM-104 Patriot or Rapier?
The Rapier has been produced in greater numbers with 25,000 units compared to 10,000 units of the MIM-104 Patriot.