MIM-23 Hawk vs RIM-116 RAM
The MIM-23 Hawk and the RIM-116 RAM are both Surface-to-Air missiles. The MIM-23 Hawk has a range of 40 km — 4.3x the RIM-116 RAM's 9 km. The MIM-23 Hawk reaches 2,964 km/h vs 3,430 km/h for the RIM-116 RAM. The MIM-23 Hawk carries a 136 kg warhead vs 10.2 kg for the RIM-116 RAM. Launch weight is 626 kg for the MIM-23 Hawk vs 72 kg for the RIM-116 RAM. The MIM-23 Hawk uses Semi-active radar homing guidance, while the RIM-116 RAM relies on Passive radio frequency/infrared homing. The MIM-23 Hawk has been produced in 40,000 units vs 1,600 for the RIM-116 RAM. The MIM-23 Hawk entered service 32 years before the RIM-116 RAM (1960 vs 1992).
| American surface-to-air missile, entered service in 1960, uses semi-active radar homing for guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Surface-to-Air |
| Type | Radar-guided surface-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Raytheon |
| Service year | 1960 |
| Number produced | 40,000 units |
| Estimated unit price | NA |
| 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 | 40.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 2.4 ◉ |
| Weight | 626 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 136.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 5.12 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 356 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Semi-active radar homing |
| 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-23 Hawk or RIM-116 RAM?
The MIM-23 Hawk has a longer range at 40 km compared to the RIM-116 RAM's 9 km.
Which is faster, the MIM-23 Hawk or RIM-116 RAM?
The RIM-116 RAM is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 2.8 compared to the MIM-23 Hawk's Mach 2.4.
Which has a larger warhead, the MIM-23 Hawk or RIM-116 RAM?
The MIM-23 Hawk carries a larger warhead at 136 kg compared to the RIM-116 RAM's 10 kg.
Which is heavier, the MIM-23 Hawk or RIM-116 RAM?
The MIM-23 Hawk is heavier at 626 kg compared to the RIM-116 RAM's 72 kg.
Which is longer, the MIM-23 Hawk or RIM-116 RAM?
The MIM-23 Hawk is longer at 5.12 meters compared to the RIM-116 RAM's 2.79 meters.
What guidance systems do the MIM-23 Hawk and RIM-116 RAM use?
The MIM-23 Hawk uses Semi-active radar homing guidance while the RIM-116 RAM uses Passive radio frequency/infrared homing guidance.
Which entered service first, the MIM-23 Hawk or RIM-116 RAM?
The MIM-23 Hawk entered service first in 1960, 32 years before the RIM-116 RAM which entered service in 1992.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MIM-23 Hawk or RIM-116 RAM?
The MIM-23 Hawk has been produced in greater numbers with 40,000 units compared to 1,600 units of the RIM-116 RAM.