Rapier vs 9K34 Strela-3
Overview
The Rapier and the 9K34 Strela-3 are both Surface-to-Air missiles.
Range is 8 km for the Rapier vs 4 km for the 9K34 Strela-3. The Rapier reaches 3,700 km/h vs 2,160 km/h for the 9K34 Strela-3. The Rapier carries a 1 kg warhead vs 1 kg for the 9K34 Strela-3. Launch weight is 43 kg for the Rapier vs 10 kg for the 9K34 Strela-3. The Rapier uses Semi-automatic command to line of sight guidance, while the 9K34 Strela-3 relies on Infra-red homing.
The Rapier entered service 3 years before the 9K34 Strela-3 (1971 vs 1974).
| 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 |
| Soviet portable surface-to-air missile, entered service in 1974, guided by infrared homing. | |
| Origin | 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| Category | Surface-to-Air |
| Type | Portable infrared surface-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | KBM |
| Service year | 1974 |
| Number produced | -- 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 | 4.5 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 1.8 ◉ |
| Weight | 10 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 1.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 1.40 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 75 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Infra-red homing |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the Rapier or 9K34 Strela-3?
The Rapier has a longer range at 8 km compared to the 9K34 Strela-3's 4 km.
Which is faster, the Rapier or 9K34 Strela-3?
The Rapier is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 3.0 compared to the 9K34 Strela-3's Mach 1.8.
Which has a larger warhead, the Rapier or 9K34 Strela-3?
Both the Rapier and 9K34 Strela-3 carry the same warhead weight of 1 kg.
Which is heavier, the Rapier or 9K34 Strela-3?
The Rapier is heavier at 43 kg compared to the 9K34 Strela-3's 10 kg.
Which is longer, the Rapier or 9K34 Strela-3?
The Rapier is longer at 2.24 meters compared to the 9K34 Strela-3's 1.40 meters.
What guidance systems do the Rapier and 9K34 Strela-3 use?
The Rapier uses Semi-automatic command to line of sight guidance while the 9K34 Strela-3 uses Infra-red homing guidance.
Which entered service first, the Rapier or 9K34 Strela-3?
The Rapier entered service first in 1971, 3 years before the 9K34 Strela-3 which entered service in 1974.