Rapier vs 9K33 Osa
The Rapier and the 9K33 Osa are both Surface-to-Air missiles. Range is 8 km for the Rapier vs 15 km for the 9K33 Osa. The Rapier reaches 3,700 km/h vs 3,672 km/h for the 9K33 Osa. The Rapier carries a 1 kg warhead vs 40 kg for the 9K33 Osa. Launch weight is 43 kg for the Rapier vs 170 kg for the 9K33 Osa. The Rapier uses Semi-automatic command to line of sight guidance, while the 9K33 Osa relies on RF CLOS. The Rapier has been produced in 25,000 units vs 1,200 for the 9K33 Osa.
| 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 1971, utilizes radar guidance to engage targets. | |
| Origin | 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| Category | Surface-to-Air |
| Type | Radar-guided surface-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Znamya Truda Plant |
| Service year | 1971 |
| Number produced | 1,200 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 | 15.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 3.0 ◉ |
| Weight | 170 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 40.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 3.20 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 210 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | RF CLOS |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the Rapier or 9K33 Osa?
The 9K33 Osa has a longer range at 15 km compared to the Rapier's 8 km.
Which is faster, the Rapier or 9K33 Osa?
The Rapier is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 3.0 compared to the 9K33 Osa's Mach 3.0.
Which has a larger warhead, the Rapier or 9K33 Osa?
The 9K33 Osa carries a larger warhead at 40 kg compared to the Rapier's 1 kg.
Which is heavier, the Rapier or 9K33 Osa?
The 9K33 Osa is heavier at 170 kg compared to the Rapier's 43 kg.
Which is longer, the Rapier or 9K33 Osa?
The 9K33 Osa is longer at 3.20 meters compared to the Rapier's 2.24 meters.
What guidance systems do the Rapier and 9K33 Osa use?
The Rapier uses Semi-automatic command to line of sight guidance while the 9K33 Osa uses RF CLOS guidance.
Which entered service first, the Rapier or 9K33 Osa?
Both the Rapier and 9K33 Osa entered service in the same year: 1971.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Rapier or 9K33 Osa?
The Rapier has been produced in greater numbers with 25,000 units compared to 1,200 units of the 9K33 Osa.