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MIM-23 Hawk vs Rapier

MIM-23 Hawk vs Rapier at a glance — range 40 vs 8 km, speed 2,964 vs 3,700 km/h, warhead 136 vs 1 kg, launch weight 626 vs 43 kg.

Specifications
MIM-23 Hawk 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 1960 1971
Number produced 40,000 units 25,000 units
Estimated unit price NA NA
Range 40.0 km 8.2 km
Maximum speed Mach 2.4 Mach 3.0
Weight 626 kg 43 kg
Warhead 136.0 kg 1.0 kg
Length 5.12 m 2.24 m
Diameter 356 mm 133 mm
Guidance Semi-active radar homing Semi-automatic command to line of sight
Warhead type High Explosive High Explosive
Scale Comparison
MIM-23 HAWK 5.12 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-23 Hawk or Rapier?
The MIM-23 Hawk has a longer range at 40 km compared to the Rapier's 8 km.
Which is faster, the MIM-23 Hawk or Rapier?
The Rapier is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 3.0 compared to the MIM-23 Hawk's Mach 2.4.
Which has a larger warhead, the MIM-23 Hawk or Rapier?
The MIM-23 Hawk carries a larger warhead at 136 kg compared to the Rapier's 1 kg.
Which is heavier, the MIM-23 Hawk or Rapier?
The MIM-23 Hawk is heavier at 626 kg compared to the Rapier's 43 kg.
Which is longer, the MIM-23 Hawk or Rapier?
The MIM-23 Hawk is longer at 5.12 meters compared to the Rapier's 2.24 meters.
What guidance systems do the MIM-23 Hawk and Rapier use?
The MIM-23 Hawk uses Semi-active radar homing guidance while the Rapier uses Semi-automatic command to line of sight guidance.
Which entered service first, the MIM-23 Hawk or Rapier?
The MIM-23 Hawk entered service first in 1960, 11 years before the Rapier which entered service in 1971.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MIM-23 Hawk or Rapier?
The MIM-23 Hawk has been produced in greater numbers with 40,000 units compared to 25,000 units of the Rapier.