Rapier vs Roland
The Rapier and the Roland are both Surface-to-Air missiles. Range is 8 km for the Rapier vs 6 km for the Roland. The Rapier reaches 3,700 km/h vs 1,960 km/h for the Roland. The Rapier carries a 1 kg warhead vs 9 kg for the Roland. Launch weight is 43 kg for the Rapier vs 63 kg for the Roland. The Rapier uses Semi-automatic command to line of sight guidance, while the Roland relies on Optical or tracking radar. The Rapier has been produced in 25,000 units vs 600 for the Roland. The Rapier entered service 6 years before the Roland (1971 vs 1977).
| 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 |
| Franco-German surface-to-air missile, entering service in 1977, uses optical or radar guidance to reach targets. | |
| Origin | 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France |
| Category | Surface-to-Air |
| Type | Radar-guided surface-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Aérospatiale / MBB |
| Service year | 1977 |
| Number produced | 600 units |
| Estimated unit price | NA |
| 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 | 6.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 1.6 ◉ |
| Weight | 63 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 9.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 2.40 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 160 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Optical or tracking radar |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the Rapier or Roland?
The Rapier has a longer range at 8 km compared to the Roland's 6 km.
Which is faster, the Rapier or Roland?
The Rapier is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 3.0 compared to the Roland's Mach 1.6.
Which has a larger warhead, the Rapier or Roland?
The Roland carries a larger warhead at 9 kg compared to the Rapier's 1 kg.
Which is heavier, the Rapier or Roland?
The Roland is heavier at 63 kg compared to the Rapier's 43 kg.
Which is longer, the Rapier or Roland?
The Roland is longer at 2.40 meters compared to the Rapier's 2.24 meters.
What guidance systems do the Rapier and Roland use?
The Rapier uses Semi-automatic command to line of sight guidance while the Roland uses Optical or tracking radar guidance.
Which entered service first, the Rapier or Roland?
The Rapier entered service first in 1971, 6 years before the Roland which entered service in 1977.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Rapier or Roland?
The Rapier has been produced in greater numbers with 25,000 units compared to 600 units of the Roland.