Rapier vs 2K12 Kub
The Rapier and the 2K12 Kub are both Surface-to-Air missiles. The 2K12 Kub has a range of 24 km — 2.9x the Rapier's 8 km. The Rapier reaches 3,700 km/h vs 3,457 km/h for the 2K12 Kub. The Rapier carries a 1 kg warhead vs 59 kg for the 2K12 Kub. Launch weight is 43 kg for the Rapier vs 550 kg for the 2K12 Kub. The Rapier uses Semi-automatic command to line of sight guidance, while the 2K12 Kub relies on Semi-active radar homing. The Rapier has been produced in 25,000 units vs 10,000 for the 2K12 Kub. The 2K12 Kub 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 |
| Soviet surface-to-air missile, entered service in 1967, utilizing semi-active radar homing for guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| Category | Surface-to-Air |
| Type | Radar-guided surface-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Russian State Industry |
| Service year | 1967 |
| Number produced | 10,000 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 | 24.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 2.8 ◉ |
| Weight | 550 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 59.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 6.20 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 335 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Semi-active radar homing |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the Rapier or 2K12 Kub?
The 2K12 Kub has a longer range at 24 km compared to the Rapier's 8 km.
Which is faster, the Rapier or 2K12 Kub?
The Rapier is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 3.0 compared to the 2K12 Kub's Mach 2.8.
Which has a larger warhead, the Rapier or 2K12 Kub?
The 2K12 Kub carries a larger warhead at 59 kg compared to the Rapier's 1 kg.
Which is heavier, the Rapier or 2K12 Kub?
The 2K12 Kub is heavier at 550 kg compared to the Rapier's 43 kg.
Which is longer, the Rapier or 2K12 Kub?
The 2K12 Kub is longer at 6.20 meters compared to the Rapier's 2.24 meters.
What guidance systems do the Rapier and 2K12 Kub use?
The Rapier uses Semi-automatic command to line of sight guidance while the 2K12 Kub uses Semi-active radar homing guidance.
Which entered service first, the Rapier or 2K12 Kub?
The 2K12 Kub 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 2K12 Kub?
The Rapier has been produced in greater numbers with 25,000 units compared to 10,000 units of the 2K12 Kub.