Dongfeng DF-3 vs LGM-30 Minuteman III
The Dongfeng DF-3 and the LGM-30 Minuteman III are both Ballistic missiles. The LGM-30 Minuteman III has a range of 14,000 km — 2.8x the Dongfeng DF-3's 5,000 km. The Dongfeng DF-3 reaches 20,000 km/h vs 28,200 km/h for the LGM-30 Minuteman III. The Dongfeng DF-3 carries a 2150 kg warhead vs 1150 kg for the LGM-30 Minuteman III. Launch weight is 64,000 kg for the Dongfeng DF-3 vs 36,030 kg for the LGM-30 Minuteman III. The Dongfeng DF-3 uses Astro-inertial guidance guidance, while the LGM-30 Minuteman III relies on Inertial. The Dongfeng DF-3 has been produced in 110 units vs 550 for the LGM-30 Minuteman III. The LGM-30 Minuteman III entered service 1 years before the Dongfeng DF-3 (1970 vs 1971).
| Chinese intermediate-range ballistic missile, entering service in 1971, uses astro-inertial guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇨🇳 China |
| Category | Ballistic |
| Type | Intermediate-range ballistic missile |
| Manufacturer | Chinese State Industry |
| Service year | 1971 |
| Number produced | 110 units |
| Estimated unit price | NA |
| American ICBM, entered service in 1970, utilizes inertial guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Ballistic |
| Type | Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| Service year | 1970 |
| Number produced | 550 units |
| Estimated unit price | $7 million |
| Range | 5,000.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 16.3 ◉ |
| Weight | 64,000 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 2150.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 24.00 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 2250 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Astro-inertial guidance |
| Warhead type | Nuclear |
| Range | 14,000.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 23.0 ◉ |
| Weight | 36,030 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 1150.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 18.30 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 1680 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Inertial |
| Warhead type | Nuclear |
Performance Radar Chart
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 23.0 compared to the Dongfeng DF-3's Mach 16.3.
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.