Rapier vs Starstreak
Overview
The Rapier and the Starstreak are both Surface-to-Air missiles.
Range is 8 km for the Rapier vs 7 km for the Starstreak. The Rapier reaches 3,700 km/h vs 3,704 km/h for the Starstreak. The Rapier carries a 1 kg warhead vs 3 kg for the Starstreak. Launch weight is 43 kg for the Rapier vs 14 kg for the Starstreak. The Rapier uses Semi-automatic command to line of sight guidance, while the Starstreak relies on SACLOS, Laser-beam guidance.
The Rapier has been produced in 25,000 units vs 7,000 for the Starstreak. The Rapier entered service 26 years before the Starstreak (1971 vs 1997).
| 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 |
| British portable missile, entered service in 1997, uses laser-beam guidance to hit targets within 5 km. | |
| Origin | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
| Category | Surface-to-Air |
| Type | Portable optical-guided surface-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Short Brothers |
| Service year | 1997 |
| Number produced | 7,000 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 | 7.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 3.0 ◉ |
| Weight | 14 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 3.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 1.39 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 76 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | SACLOS, Laser-beam guidance |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the Rapier or Starstreak?
The Rapier has a longer range at 8 km compared to the Starstreak's 7 km.
Which is faster, the Rapier or Starstreak?
The Starstreak is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 3.0 compared to the Rapier's Mach 3.0.
Which has a larger warhead, the Rapier or Starstreak?
The Starstreak carries a larger warhead at 3 kg compared to the Rapier's 1 kg.
Which is heavier, the Rapier or Starstreak?
The Rapier is heavier at 43 kg compared to the Starstreak's 14 kg.
Which is longer, the Rapier or Starstreak?
The Rapier is longer at 2.24 meters compared to the Starstreak's 1.39 meters.
What guidance systems do the Rapier and Starstreak use?
The Rapier uses Semi-automatic command to line of sight guidance while the Starstreak uses SACLOS, Laser-beam guidance guidance.
Which entered service first, the Rapier or Starstreak?
The Rapier entered service first in 1971, 26 years before the Starstreak which entered service in 1997.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Rapier or Starstreak?
The Rapier has been produced in greater numbers with 25,000 units compared to 7,000 units of the Starstreak.