Dongfeng DF-3 vs M-39 ATACMS
The Dongfeng DF-3 and the M-39 ATACMS are both Ballistic missiles. The Dongfeng DF-3 has a range of 5,000 km — 17:1 the M-39 ATACMS's 300 km. The Dongfeng DF-3 reaches 20,000 km/h vs 3,600 km/h for the M-39 ATACMS. The Dongfeng DF-3 carries a 2150 kg warhead vs 214 kg for the M-39 ATACMS. Launch weight is 64,000 kg for the Dongfeng DF-3 vs 1,674 kg for the M-39 ATACMS. The Dongfeng DF-3 uses Astro-inertial guidance guidance, while the M-39 ATACMS relies on GPS-aided inertial navigation guidance. The Dongfeng DF-3 has been produced in 110 units vs 3,700 for the M-39 ATACMS. The Dongfeng DF-3 entered service 20 years before the M-39 ATACMS (1971 vs 1991).
| 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 tactical ballistic missile, entered service in 1991, using GPS-aided inertial navigation guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Ballistic |
| Type | Tactical ballistic missile |
| Manufacturer | Loral / Vought |
| Service year | 1991 |
| Number produced | 3,700 units |
| Estimated unit price | $1.7 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 | 300.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 2.9 ◉ |
| Weight | 1,674 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 214.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 3.96 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 607 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | GPS-aided inertial navigation guidance |
| Warhead type | 950 small bombs M-74 |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the Dongfeng DF-3 or M-39 ATACMS?
The Dongfeng DF-3 has a longer range at 5,000 km compared to the M-39 ATACMS's 300 km.
Which is faster, the Dongfeng DF-3 or M-39 ATACMS?
The Dongfeng DF-3 is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 16.3 compared to the M-39 ATACMS's Mach 2.9.
Which has a larger warhead, the Dongfeng DF-3 or M-39 ATACMS?
The Dongfeng DF-3 carries a larger warhead at 2,150 kg compared to the M-39 ATACMS's 214 kg.
Which is heavier, the Dongfeng DF-3 or M-39 ATACMS?
The Dongfeng DF-3 is heavier at 64,000 kg compared to the M-39 ATACMS's 1,674 kg.
Which is longer, the Dongfeng DF-3 or M-39 ATACMS?
The Dongfeng DF-3 is longer at 24.00 meters compared to the M-39 ATACMS's 3.96 meters.
What guidance systems do the Dongfeng DF-3 and M-39 ATACMS use?
The Dongfeng DF-3 uses Astro-inertial guidance guidance while the M-39 ATACMS uses GPS-aided inertial navigation guidance guidance.
Which entered service first, the Dongfeng DF-3 or M-39 ATACMS?
The Dongfeng DF-3 entered service first in 1971, 20 years before the M-39 ATACMS which entered service in 1991.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Dongfeng DF-3 or M-39 ATACMS?
The M-39 ATACMS has been produced in greater numbers with 3,700 units compared to 110 units of the Dongfeng DF-3.