GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

Dongfeng DF-3 vs LGM-30 Minuteman III

Dongfeng DF-3 vs LGM-30 Minuteman III at a glance — range 5,000 vs 14,000 km, speed 20,000 vs 28,200 km/h, warhead 2,150 vs 1,150 kg, launch weight 64,000 vs 36,030 kg.

Specifications
Dongfeng DF-3 LGM-30 Minuteman III
Origin 🇨🇳 China 🇺🇸 United States
Category Ballistic Ballistic
Type Intermediate-range ballistic missile Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)
Manufacturer Chinese State Industry Boeing
Service year 1971 1970
Number produced 110 units 550 units
Estimated unit price NA $7 million
Range 5,000.0 km 14,000.0 km
Maximum speed Mach 16.2 Mach 22.8
Weight 64,000 kg 36,030 kg
Warhead 2150.0 kg 1150.0 kg
Length 24.00 m 18.30 m
Diameter 2250 mm 1680 mm
Guidance Astro-inertial guidance Inertial
Warhead type Nuclear Nuclear
Scale Comparison
DONGFENG DF-3 24 m LGM-30 MINUTEMAN III 18.30 m 1.75 m
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
Related Comparisons
Guide Chinese Missiles US Missile Designations
LGM-30 Minuteman III vs RS-24 Yars Dongfeng DF-3 vs R-17 Elbrus Dongfeng DF-3 vs M39 ATACMS Dongfeng DF-3 vs R-12 Dvina Dongfeng DF-3 vs R-27 Zyb Dongfeng DF-3 vs Trident 2D5

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has longer range, the Dongfeng DF-3 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III has a longer range at 14,000 km compared to the Dongfeng DF-3's 5,000 km.
Which is faster, the Dongfeng DF-3 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 22.8 compared to the Dongfeng DF-3's Mach 16.2.
Which has a larger warhead, the Dongfeng DF-3 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The Dongfeng DF-3 carries a larger warhead at 2,150 kg compared to the LGM-30 Minuteman III's 1,150 kg.
Which is heavier, the Dongfeng DF-3 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The Dongfeng DF-3 is heavier at 64,000 kg compared to the LGM-30 Minuteman III's 36,030 kg.
Which is longer, the Dongfeng DF-3 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The Dongfeng DF-3 is longer at 24.00 meters compared to the LGM-30 Minuteman III's 18.30 meters.
What guidance systems do the Dongfeng DF-3 and LGM-30 Minuteman III use?
The Dongfeng DF-3 uses Astro-inertial guidance guidance while the LGM-30 Minuteman III uses Inertial guidance.
Which entered service first, the Dongfeng DF-3 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III entered service first in 1970, 1 years before the Dongfeng DF-3 which entered service in 1971.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Dongfeng DF-3 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III has been produced in greater numbers with 550 units compared to 110 units of the Dongfeng DF-3.