Rapier Missle System Trailers

The Rapier Anti Aircraft Missle System was purchased from British Aicraft Corporation (BAC) in the late 70's. Originally the 101 Forward Control Land Rover was purchased to tow the modules, but more recently the Land Rover 110 6x6 Air Defence vehicle has done the job.

The Rapier missle system retired from Australian service in late 2007 and now the only examples still in the country are some deactivated examples for museums and gate guardians.

The Radar system itself consists of 2 modules, the Rapier Launcher Unit, and the Blindfire Radar unit. A seperate resupply trailer was used to carry extra missiles.

If anybody knows the source of the open day photos below could they let me know so that I can credit the author.

More images of the rapier fire unit attached to the 101 and being set up can be found on this page

This is a fire unit on display at the Army Museum Bandiana

This is a radar unit also on display at the Army Museum Bandiana

The system set up at the Army Museum Bandiana

Part of the rapier system taken at an open day at the school of artilelry, probably in the 1980's..
Does anybody know what this part of the system is?
Photographer: Australian Plastic Modellers Association .

The Fire unit at the same army open day in the 1980's.
Photographer: Australian Plastic Modellers Association

The fire unit without any missiles loaded.
Photographer: Australian Plastic Modellers Association

A fire unit with missiles in place.
Photographer: Australian Plastic Modellers Association .

Another view of the fire unit at the school of artilelry open day.
Photographer: Australian Plastic Modellers Association

Anohter view of the fire unit set up to be fired.
Photographer: Australian Plastic Modellers Association

The radar unit set up as it would be in the field, notice that the wheels of the unit have been removed.
Photographer: Australian Plastic Modellers Association

Anohter view of the radar unit.
Photographer: Australian Plastic Modellers Association

Another view of the radar unit showing the drawbar.
Photographer: Australian Plastic Modellers Association