📌 1970's Tracked Rapier, The Muckleburgh Military Collection.
In 1973 Iran wanted to purchase the Rapier missile system which comprised three separate towed units. They preferred an integrated mobile version so British Aerospace redesigned the Rapier and mounted it on a U.S cargo carrier. Designated ''Tracked Rapier'' development started in 1974 but by the time it was completed in 1978 the Shah of Iran and his regime had fallen from power. The vehicles were then purchased by the British Army for an air defence battery in 1982.
The missile launch unit is at the rear with the optical tracker being hydraulically raised through the cab making it extremely cramped for its three crew members. The Tracked Rapier variant has eight missiles compared with only four on the towed system. In addition to the diesel vehicle engine there is a second engine to power the radar and launcher.
The Rapier system saw several upgrades during it's service being finally withdrawn in the late 1980's when they were replaced by the more sophisticated Field Standard Rapier system. However in 1991, during the preparation for the first Gulf War a number of Tracked Rapier's were recovered from various civilian and military sources and brought back into service although never used.
Missile specifications -
▪︎Warhead: Proximity fragmentation
▪︎Engine: Solid fuel rocket
▪︎Operational Range: 1,200 - 22,000 feet (400 - 6,800 meters)
▪︎Speed: Mach 2.5 (1,600mph).
Information from The Muckleburgh Military Collection.
📌 1970's Tracked Rapier, The Muckleburgh Military Collection.
In 1973 Iran wanted to purchase the Rapier missile system which comprised three separate towed units. They preferred an integrated mobile version so British Aerospace redesigned the Rapier and mounted it on a U.S cargo carrier. Designated ''Tracked Rapier'' development started in 1974 but by the time it was completed in 1978 the Shah of Iran and his regime had fallen from power. The vehicles were then purchased by the British Army for an air defence battery in 1982.
The missile launch unit is at the rear with the optical tracker being hydraulically raised through the cab making it extremely cramped for its three crew members. The Tracked Rapier variant has eight missiles compared with only four on the towed system. In addition to the diesel vehicle engine there is a second engine to power the radar and launcher.
The Rapier system saw several upgrades during it's service being finally withdrawn in the late 1980's when they were replaced by the more sophisticated Field Standard Rapier system. However in 1991, during the preparation for the first Gulf War a number of Tracked Rapier's were recovered from various civilian and military sources and brought back into service although never used.
Missile specifications -
▪︎Warhead: Proximity fragmentation
▪︎Engine: Solid fuel rocket
▪︎Operational Range: 1,200 - 22,000 feet (400 - 6,800 meters)
▪︎Speed: Mach 2.5 (1,600mph).
Information from The Muckleburgh Military Collection.