Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:23:35-3:24:26

Why Rapier was not pursued as Sea Cat's replacement

By the time Rapier had matured, Sea Wolf was already under development and was judged the better naval system.

Air DefenceRapier MissileRoyal NavySea CatSea Wolf Missile
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Question

Did the Royal Navy consider replacing Sea Cat with Rapier?

Short answer

The answer is no: by the time Rapier had become satisfactory, Sea Wolf was already well underway and offered the better system.

Notes

Several missile options were examined, but the answer does not identify Rapier as a replacement pursued by the Royal Navy. Rapier had issues that limited its appeal for the intended role. By the time it had matured, development of Sea Wolf was already well advanced. Sea Wolf is judged the better system in this comparison.