Pantsir-S1 vs Rapier

Overview

The Pantsir-S1 and the Rapier are both Surface-to-Air missiles.

The Pantsir-S1 has a range of 20 km — 2.4x the Rapier's 8 km. The Pantsir-S1 reaches 6,120 km/h vs 3,700 km/h for the Rapier. The Pantsir-S1 carries a 25 kg warhead vs 1 kg for the Rapier. Launch weight is 94 kg for the Pantsir-S1 vs 43 kg for the Rapier. The Pantsir-S1 uses Radio/optical command guidance guidance, while the Rapier relies on Semi-automatic command to line of sight.

The Pantsir-S1 has been produced in 200 units vs 25,000 for the Rapier. The Rapier entered service 41 years before the Pantsir-S1 (1971 vs 2012).

Russian surface-to-air missile, entered service in 2012, uses radio/optical command guidance.
Origin 🇷🇺 Russia
Category Surface-to-Air
Type Surface-to-air Missile
Manufacturer Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant
Service year 2012
Number produced 200 units
Estimated unit price $14.7 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 20.0 km
Maximum speed Mach 5.0
Weight 94 kg
Warhead 25.0 kg
Length 3.16 m
Diameter 90 mm
Guidance Radio/optical command guidance
Warhead type Multiple continuous rod fragmentation
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 Pantsir-S1 or Rapier?
The Pantsir-S1 has a longer range at 20 km compared to the Rapier's 8 km.
Which is faster, the Pantsir-S1 or Rapier?
The Pantsir-S1 is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 5.0 compared to the Rapier's Mach 3.0.
Which has a larger warhead, the Pantsir-S1 or Rapier?
The Pantsir-S1 carries a larger warhead at 25 kg compared to the Rapier's 1 kg.
Which is heavier, the Pantsir-S1 or Rapier?
The Pantsir-S1 is heavier at 94 kg compared to the Rapier's 43 kg.
Which is longer, the Pantsir-S1 or Rapier?
The Pantsir-S1 is longer at 3.16 meters compared to the Rapier's 2.24 meters.
What guidance systems do the Pantsir-S1 and Rapier use?
The Pantsir-S1 uses Radio/optical command guidance guidance while the Rapier uses Semi-automatic command to line of sight guidance.
Which entered service first, the Pantsir-S1 or Rapier?
The Rapier entered service first in 1971, 41 years before the Pantsir-S1 which entered service in 2012.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Pantsir-S1 or Rapier?
The Rapier has been produced in greater numbers with 25,000 units compared to 200 units of the Pantsir-S1.