Oman, Singapore, Switzerland and Turkey have had their Rapier systems upgraded for the Mk 2 missile. Mark 2 is part of a continual follow-up program by Matra Bae Dynamics (UK). In their outer appearance the new and the current missiles are very similar. But inside the missile most components were improved or replaced by new technologies. By doing this, efficiency and reliability of the entire missile are considerably increased.



The Mark 2 is equipped with a proximity fuze. Small targets such as RPVs and cruise missiles can be effectively engaged. The Mark 2 has a greater range, improved acceleration and higher speed. This results in an execellent manoeuvrability, which is of great use for the engagement of suddenly appearing targets at short ranges.



Rapier was developed to replace the Thunderbird in British Army service. Thunderbird (I & II) missiles (with range of 30km) were the predecessors of the Bloodhound (I & II) systems. Highly mobile and capable of being mounted on a trailer or on a tracked vehicle, Rapier showed its worth in the Falklands War.



Picture of Australian Army's Air Defence Regiment 110AD Bty firing. The role of the Regiment is to provide Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) against hostile air operations.



The Rapier B1X air defence system introduces digital technology to the established and proven Rapier B1 capability. This gives the user greatly improved system performance plus increased reliability, availability and maintainability. Seen here is a Rapier Launcher of 110AD Bty.



Rapiers were also deployed in air operations during Operation Granby (the Gulf War 1991).



The RAF Regiment provides ground and surface-to-air defence for the RAF. It consists of four Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) squadrons, all of which are equipped with the Rapier Field Missile Standard C missile system. Jernas is the export name for the Rapier FSC (Field Standard C) air defence system developed by MBDA (formerly Matra BAe Dynamics, UK).



Jernas is based on the Rapier Mk 2 missile and launcher, the Blindfire tracking radar and the Dagger surveillance radar. Jernas is in service with the British Army and Royal Air Force.



JERNAS provides defence against unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles, and fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Highly mobile and can comprise three modules, namely the eight missile Launcher, with passive Electro Optical (EO) tracking device, a 3D Surveillance Radar for target detection and a high resolution Radar Tracker to defeat small stealthy targets in all weathers. The system may be towed behind a medium sized vehicle or can be transported by transport aircraft or underslung by medium lift helicopter.



Tracked Rapier - a modified form of the towed Rapier SAM. Pedestal mounted on a highly modified M-548 tracked load carrier. The mount is supplied with some degree of stabilization and fire control to allow some degree of fire on the move.



Originally designed for the needs of the Iranian Army (under the regime of the Shah) in the late 1970s, the Tracked Rapier was cancelled by the new Iranian government after it cut ties with Western countries after the revolution. Picture of an early variant of the series, the Rapier [Behr] - the Iranian version with launcher mounted on the rear of a Behr 8X8 truck chassis.




The Tracked Rapier Mobile Air Defence system is manufactured at the British Aerospace (BAe) plant at Filton, Bristol. Carries the complete Rapier launch and guidance system. System can be made ready to fire in less than fifteen seconds.



A self-propelled SAM, the Tracked Rapier is armed with a Launcher with 8 ready-to-fire Rapier missiles. It's amphibious, and is operated by a crew of three.



Armoured against small arms fire and backwash from missiles, the system is meant to provide organic air cover for mobile armoured brigades.



Move of Tracked Rapier from Benbecula to Bruggen, 17 May 1995. This picture was taken at Benbecula where the Royal Artillery Hebrides Ranges are established.
Marshalling is SGT Dave 'Pinky' Salmon (RAF). Photo Courtesy of Ian Berry.

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