Mistral vs Rapier
The Mistral and the Rapier are both Surface-to-Air missiles. Range is 6 km for the Mistral vs 8 km for the Rapier. The Mistral reaches 3,348 km/h vs 3,700 km/h for the Rapier. The Mistral carries a 3 kg warhead vs 1 kg for the Rapier. Launch weight is 18 kg for the Mistral vs 43 kg for the Rapier. The Mistral uses Infrared homing guidance, while the Rapier relies on Semi-automatic command to line of sight. The Rapier entered service 19 years before the Mistral (1971 vs 1990).
| French surface-to-air missile, entered service in 1990, uses infrared homing for guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇫🇷 France |
| Category | Surface-to-Air |
| Type | Portable optical-guided surface-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Matra |
| Service year | 1990 |
| Number produced | -- units |
| Estimated unit price | $0.6 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 | 6.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 2.7 ◉ |
| Weight | 18 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 3.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 1.80 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 90 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Infrared homing |
| 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 Mistral or Rapier?
The Rapier has a longer range at 8 km compared to the Mistral's 6 km.
Which is faster, the Mistral or Rapier?
The Rapier is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 3.0 compared to the Mistral's Mach 2.7.
Which has a larger warhead, the Mistral or Rapier?
The Mistral carries a larger warhead at 3 kg compared to the Rapier's 1 kg.
Which is heavier, the Mistral or Rapier?
The Rapier is heavier at 43 kg compared to the Mistral's 18 kg.
Which is longer, the Mistral or Rapier?
The Rapier is longer at 2.24 meters compared to the Mistral's 1.80 meters.
What guidance systems do the Mistral and Rapier use?
The Mistral uses Infrared homing guidance while the Rapier uses Semi-automatic command to line of sight guidance.
Which entered service first, the Mistral or Rapier?
The Rapier entered service first in 1971, 19 years before the Mistral which entered service in 1990.