The supersonic Rapier is one of the world's most advanced low-level anti-aircraft missile systems. Selfcontained, it is able to destroy fast, low-flying, manoeuvring aircraft, as well as helicopters and remotelypiloted vehicles. The missile is simple, light-weight, supersonic and direct-hitting. From launch, it is automatically commanded to follow the operator's line of sight to the target. The highly mobile Rapier fire unit is carried in two long wheel-base Land Rovers and trailers. While a complete crew numbers six men, the system can be deployed for a limited period by three men. Once in the operational area, Rapier can be brought into action in a few minutes, and can be operated by one man, although for tactical control a second man is used. Unlike some surface-to-systems, the Rapier operator does not guide the missile but only tracks the target. A computer signals when a missile can be fired and then guides the missile along the optical sight line to the target. The optical system is controlled manually by a joystick, and smooth accurate tracking is easily achieved on all types of targets from helicopters to high-speed violently manoeuvring aircraft. Initially a fair-weather, daylight weapon, Rapier will shortly have a "blind-fire" capability provided by an "add-on radar", enabling its devastating power to be used at night and in poor weather conditions. The Rapier has now entered service with No.63 Squadron of the Royal Air Force Regiment, whichg having completed its conversion training, is about to deploy to its operational base in R.A.F. Germany. Eventually all of the R.A.F. Regiments' squadrons are to be equipped with this new, highly lethal weapon, developed by the British Aircraft Corporation, Rapier will eventually replace the guns which have defended R.A.F. airfields and installations against the threat of low-level air attacks. Back to Table of Contents -- Wargamer's Newsletter # 152 To Wargamer's Newsletter List of Issues To MagWeb Master Magazine List © Copyright 1974 by Donald Featherstone. This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com