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MIM-104 Patriot vs Rapier

MIM-104 Patriot vs Rapier at a glance — range 160 vs 8 km, speed 6,170 vs 3,700 km/h, warhead 90 vs 1 kg, launch weight 900 vs 43 kg.

Specifications
MIM-104 Patriot Rapier
Origin 🇺🇸 United States 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Surface-to-Air Surface-to-Air
Type Radar-guided surface-to-air missile Radar-guided surface-to-air missile
Manufacturer Raytheon British Aerospace
Service year 1981 1971
Number produced 10,000 units 25,000 units
Estimated unit price $7 million NA
Range 160.0 km 8.2 km
Maximum speed Mach 5.0 Mach 3.0
Weight 900 kg 43 kg
Warhead 90.0 kg 1.0 kg
Length 5.30 m 2.24 m
Diameter 290 mm 133 mm
Guidance Dual mode (Ir homing and active radar homing) Semi-automatic command to line of sight
Warhead type High Explosive High Explosive
Scale Comparison
MIM-104 PATRIOT 5.30 m RAPIER 2.24 m 1.75 m
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
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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.