MIM-14 Nike Hercules vs RIM-116 RAM

The MIM-14 Nike Hercules and the RIM-116 RAM are both Surface-to-Air missiles. The MIM-14 Nike Hercules has a range of 140 km — 15:1 the RIM-116 RAM's 9 km. The MIM-14 Nike Hercules reaches 4,900 km/h vs 3,430 km/h for the RIM-116 RAM. The MIM-14 Nike Hercules carries a 500 kg warhead vs 10.2 kg for the RIM-116 RAM. Launch weight is 4,850 kg for the MIM-14 Nike Hercules vs 72 kg for the RIM-116 RAM. The MIM-14 Nike Hercules uses Command guidance guidance, while the RIM-116 RAM relies on Passive radio frequency/infrared homing. The MIM-14 Nike Hercules has been produced in 25,000 units vs 1,600 for the RIM-116 RAM. Unit cost is $3M for the MIM-14 Nike Hercules vs $0.905M for the RIM-116 RAM. The MIM-14 Nike Hercules entered service 34 years before the RIM-116 RAM (1958 vs 1992).

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
American surface-to-air missile, entered service in 1992, uses passive radio frequency/infrared homing guidance.
Origin 🇺🇸 United States
Category Surface-to-Air
Type Infrared surface-to-air missile
Manufacturer Loral Aerospace
Service year 1992
Number produced 1,600 units
Estimated unit price $0.9 million
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 9.4 km
Maximum speed Mach 2.8
Weight 72 kg
Warhead 10.2 kg
Length 2.79 m
Diameter 127 mm
Guidance Passive radio frequency/infrared homing
Warhead type High Explosive

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has longer range, the MIM-14 Nike Hercules or RIM-116 RAM?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules has a longer range at 140 km compared to the RIM-116 RAM's 9 km.
Which is faster, the MIM-14 Nike Hercules or RIM-116 RAM?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 4.0 compared to the RIM-116 RAM's Mach 2.8.
Which has a larger warhead, the MIM-14 Nike Hercules or RIM-116 RAM?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules carries a larger warhead at 500 kg compared to the RIM-116 RAM's 10 kg.
Which is heavier, the MIM-14 Nike Hercules or RIM-116 RAM?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules is heavier at 4,850 kg compared to the RIM-116 RAM's 72 kg.
Which is longer, the MIM-14 Nike Hercules or RIM-116 RAM?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules is longer at 12.53 meters compared to the RIM-116 RAM's 2.79 meters.
What guidance systems do the MIM-14 Nike Hercules and RIM-116 RAM use?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules uses Command guidance guidance while the RIM-116 RAM uses Passive radio frequency/infrared homing guidance.
Which entered service first, the MIM-14 Nike Hercules or RIM-116 RAM?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules entered service first in 1958, 34 years before the RIM-116 RAM which entered service in 1992.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MIM-14 Nike Hercules or RIM-116 RAM?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules has been produced in greater numbers with 25,000 units compared to 1,600 units of the RIM-116 RAM.