Rapier vs RIM-116 RAM
The Rapier and the RIM-116 RAM are both Surface-to-Air missiles. Range is 8 km for the Rapier vs 9 km for the RIM-116 RAM. The Rapier reaches 3,700 km/h vs 3,430 km/h for the RIM-116 RAM. The Rapier carries a 1 kg warhead vs 10.2 kg for the RIM-116 RAM. Launch weight is 43 kg for the Rapier vs 72 kg for the RIM-116 RAM. The Rapier uses Semi-automatic command to line of sight guidance, while the RIM-116 RAM relies on Passive radio frequency/infrared homing. The Rapier has been produced in 25,000 units vs 1,600 for the RIM-116 RAM. The Rapier entered service 21 years before the RIM-116 RAM (1971 vs 1992).
| 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 |
| 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 | 8.2 km â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 3.0 â—‰ |
| Weight | 43 kg â—‰ |
| Warhead | 1.0 kg â—‰ |
| Length | 2.24 m â—‰ |
| Diameter | 133 mm â—‰ |
| Guidance | Semi-automatic command to line of sight |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
| Range | 9.4 km â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 2.8 â—‰ |
| Weight | 72 kg â—‰ |
| Warhead | 10.2 kg â—‰ |
| Length | 2.79 m â—‰ |
| Diameter | 127 mm â—‰ |
| Guidance | Passive radio frequency/infrared homing |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the Rapier or RIM-116 RAM?
The RIM-116 RAM has a longer range at 9 km compared to the Rapier's 8 km.
Which is faster, the Rapier or RIM-116 RAM?
The Rapier is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 3.0 compared to the RIM-116 RAM's Mach 2.8.
Which has a larger warhead, the Rapier or RIM-116 RAM?
The RIM-116 RAM carries a larger warhead at 10 kg compared to the Rapier's 1 kg.
Which is heavier, the Rapier or RIM-116 RAM?
The RIM-116 RAM is heavier at 72 kg compared to the Rapier's 43 kg.
Which is longer, the Rapier or RIM-116 RAM?
The RIM-116 RAM is longer at 2.79 meters compared to the Rapier's 2.24 meters.
What guidance systems do the Rapier and RIM-116 RAM use?
The Rapier uses Semi-automatic command to line of sight guidance while the RIM-116 RAM uses Passive radio frequency/infrared homing guidance.
Which entered service first, the Rapier or RIM-116 RAM?
The Rapier entered service first in 1971, 21 years before the RIM-116 RAM which entered service in 1992.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Rapier or RIM-116 RAM?
The Rapier has been produced in greater numbers with 25,000 units compared to 1,600 units of the RIM-116 RAM.