MIM-14 Nike Hercules vs Rapier
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules and the Rapier are both Surface-to-Air missiles. The MIM-14 Nike Hercules has a range of 140 km — 17:1 the Rapier's 8 km. The MIM-14 Nike Hercules reaches 4,900 km/h vs 3,700 km/h for the Rapier. The MIM-14 Nike Hercules carries a 500 kg warhead vs 1 kg for the Rapier. Launch weight is 4,850 kg for the MIM-14 Nike Hercules vs 43 kg for the Rapier. The MIM-14 Nike Hercules uses Command guidance guidance, while the Rapier relies on Semi-automatic command to line of sight. The MIM-14 Nike Hercules has been produced in 25,000 units vs 25,000 for the Rapier. The MIM-14 Nike Hercules entered service 13 years before the Rapier (1958 vs 1971).
| 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 |
| 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 | 140.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 4.0 ◉ |
| Weight | 4,850 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 500.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 12.53 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 800 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Command guidance |
| 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-14 Nike Hercules or Rapier?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules has a longer range at 140 km compared to the Rapier's 8 km.
Which is faster, the MIM-14 Nike Hercules or Rapier?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 4.0 compared to the Rapier's Mach 3.0.
Which has a larger warhead, the MIM-14 Nike Hercules or Rapier?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules carries a larger warhead at 500 kg compared to the Rapier's 1 kg.
Which is heavier, the MIM-14 Nike Hercules or Rapier?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules is heavier at 4,850 kg compared to the Rapier's 43 kg.
Which is longer, the MIM-14 Nike Hercules or Rapier?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules is longer at 12.53 meters compared to the Rapier's 2.24 meters.
What guidance systems do the MIM-14 Nike Hercules and Rapier use?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules uses Command guidance guidance while the Rapier uses Semi-automatic command to line of sight guidance.
Which entered service first, the MIM-14 Nike Hercules or Rapier?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules entered service first in 1958, 13 years before the Rapier which entered service in 1971.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MIM-14 Nike Hercules or Rapier?
Both the MIM-14 Nike Hercules and Rapier have been produced in equal numbers with 25,000 units each.