The development of the rapier

The development of the rapier began in the 1960s as ET.316 project, which was planned as an alternative to the American Mauler missile system . The aim was to develop an easily maneuverable supersonic missile. Since the Mauler system was not purchased, the Rapier was going by the then British Aircraft Corporation in development and production.
It was taken in 1971 in service . The first version was based on optical tracking . By initiating and co-development of the Swiss Air Force and later radar-based electro- optical methods were added to achieve the all-weather capability needed by Switzerland.
Initially , the system consisted of a platform launcher with four missiles , the optical target tracking and a truck with supplies , which was delivered on three land rovers . It was typically used for airfield defense.
The additional radar tracking unit and the fire control enemy targets were identified faster, automate the starting and an all-weather performance can be achieved.
The baptism of fire of the rapier began in 1982 during the Falklands War instead . 45 rockets were fired and originally the weapon system were 14 confirmed and 6 probable kills attributed . However, recent research indicates that [1 ] the Rapier scored only one confirmed and two probable kills .
During the year 2002, the Mark -I missiles were replaced by the modern Mark II , which are distinguished mainly by the installation of a splitter warhead with proximity fuses . In Switzerland, was also upgraded to the latest type simulators as well as an improvement of the hit probability against electronic interference .
Furthermore, to be used with the Starstreak HVM modern missiles.
Further improvements [ Edit]

After it had been found that the stationary system achieved excellent performance , was looking for ways to make the mobile missiles . The result was the Tracked Rapier . The already used in Towed Rapier radar and surveillance equipment have been completely taken over . Serves as a basis the American M548 vehicle. Instead of four missiles of the stationary unit the tracked Rapier missile has eight . In the 1990s, the older radar was replaced by the newer version called "Dark Fire" . This radar has a longer range and is able to control six missiles at a time. Thanks to the Dark Fire radar Towed and Tracked Rapier all weathers .
A specific variant was used for the U.S. market . As the vehicle M2 Bradley served . For self defense , the 25 - mm machine gun was retained.
Rapierfeuereinheit in Switzerland [ Edit]

The Swiss Army has 54 weapons and 1,200 missiles . [2] A Rapier fire unit in Switzerland consists of a weapons system and ten soldiers under the leadership of three sergeants ( a fire unit head / FEC FEC and two Deputy ) . The fire unit is conveyed by five vehicles. Two Bucher / Mowag Duros carry the system with a Duro carries the pitcher and the other is the tracking radar as a pendant. The two units are attached to the transport of the two chassis of the system. Each of these Duros with command structure carries four missiles . The thrower -Duro promoted in addition to an extendable lift most of the accessories material such as directional device , operating panel etc. . Furthermore, there is a transmitting -Puch with a trailer that transports the entire transmission material. Another Puch serves as a transport for troops and the fire unit chief . One last Duro transported ten more missiles and pulls the material Corps Pendant which includes the kitchen and other materials for the rear space .
A Rapier position consists of the firing position with the weapon system and the back space (usually a farm ) , which serves as the troop accommodation. The firing position and the rear room are separated by up to two kilometers. If a firing position visited with the drivers , the system is placed and started with the position reference . After one hour, the system is set up and ready to fire. In parallel to the reference position and the rear room with beds , kitchen and radio equipment will be set up at this time .
In Switzerland Rapiersoldaten ( air defense missiles soldier RAPIER ) are trained in their role as gunner only on the simulator. The live fire training was deemed too expensive and dangerous. Rapier soldiers are trained in Emmen, central Switzerland. The training lasts 21 weeks.