Rapier vs RIM-66 Standard
The Rapier and the RIM-66 Standard are both Surface-to-Air missiles. The RIM-66 Standard has a range of 74 km — 9.0x the Rapier's 8 km. The Rapier reaches 3,700 km/h vs 4,290 km/h for the RIM-66 Standard. The Rapier carries a 1 kg warhead vs 62 kg for the RIM-66 Standard. Launch weight is 43 kg for the Rapier vs 608 kg for the RIM-66 Standard. The Rapier uses Semi-automatic command to line of sight guidance, while the RIM-66 Standard relies on Active terminal guidance. The Rapier has been produced in 25,000 units vs 5,000 for the RIM-66 Standard. The RIM-66 Standard entered service 4 years before the Rapier (1967 vs 1971).
| 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 1967, manufactured by Raytheon and Hughes. | |
| Origin | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Surface-to-Air |
| Type | Radar-guided surface-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Raytheon / Hughes |
| Service year | 1967 |
| Number produced | 5,000 units |
| Estimated unit price | $2.4 million |
| 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 |
| Range | 74.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 3.5 ◉ |
| Weight | 608 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 62.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 4.72 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 343 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Active terminal guidance |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the Rapier or RIM-66 Standard?
The RIM-66 Standard has a longer range at 74 km compared to the Rapier's 8 km.
Which is faster, the Rapier or RIM-66 Standard?
The RIM-66 Standard is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 3.5 compared to the Rapier's Mach 3.0.
Which has a larger warhead, the Rapier or RIM-66 Standard?
The RIM-66 Standard carries a larger warhead at 62 kg compared to the Rapier's 1 kg.
Which is heavier, the Rapier or RIM-66 Standard?
The RIM-66 Standard is heavier at 608 kg compared to the Rapier's 43 kg.
Which is longer, the Rapier or RIM-66 Standard?
The RIM-66 Standard is longer at 4.72 meters compared to the Rapier's 2.24 meters.
What guidance systems do the Rapier and RIM-66 Standard use?
The Rapier uses Semi-automatic command to line of sight guidance while the RIM-66 Standard uses Active terminal guidance guidance.
Which entered service first, the Rapier or RIM-66 Standard?
The RIM-66 Standard entered service first in 1967, 4 years before the Rapier which entered service in 1971.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Rapier or RIM-66 Standard?
The Rapier has been produced in greater numbers with 25,000 units compared to 5,000 units of the RIM-66 Standard.