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Dongfeng DF-3 vs R-17 Elbrus

Dongfeng DF-3 vs R-17 Elbrus at a glance — range 5,000 vs 300 km, speed 20,000 vs 5,040 km/h, warhead 2,150 vs 985 kg, launch weight 64,000 vs 5,900 kg.

Specifications
Dongfeng DF-3 R-17 Elbrus
Origin 🇨🇳 China 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Ballistic Ballistic
Type Intermediate-range ballistic missile Short-range ballistic missile
Manufacturer Chinese State Industry Votkinsk Machine Building Plant
Service year 1971 1962
Number produced 110 units 7,000 units
Estimated unit price NA $1 million
Range 5,000.0 km 300.0 km
Maximum speed Mach 16.3 Mach 4.1
Weight 64,000 kg 5,900 kg
Warhead 2150.0 kg 985.0 kg
Length 24.00 m 11.25 m
Diameter 2250 mm 885 mm
Guidance Astro-inertial guidance Inertial, boost phase only
Warhead type Nuclear High-explosive, cluster, chemical or nuclear
Scale Comparison
DONGFENG DF-3 24 m R-17 ELBRUS 11.25 m 1.75 m
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which has longer range, the Dongfeng DF-3 or R-17 Elbrus?
The Dongfeng DF-3 has a longer range at 5,000 km compared to the R-17 Elbrus's 300 km.
Which is faster, the Dongfeng DF-3 or R-17 Elbrus?
The Dongfeng DF-3 is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 16.3 compared to the R-17 Elbrus's Mach 4.1.
Which has a larger warhead, the Dongfeng DF-3 or R-17 Elbrus?
The Dongfeng DF-3 carries a larger warhead at 2,150 kg compared to the R-17 Elbrus's 985 kg.
Which is heavier, the Dongfeng DF-3 or R-17 Elbrus?
The Dongfeng DF-3 is heavier at 64,000 kg compared to the R-17 Elbrus's 5,900 kg.
Which is longer, the Dongfeng DF-3 or R-17 Elbrus?
The Dongfeng DF-3 is longer at 24.00 meters compared to the R-17 Elbrus's 11.25 meters.
What guidance systems do the Dongfeng DF-3 and R-17 Elbrus use?
The Dongfeng DF-3 uses Astro-inertial guidance guidance while the R-17 Elbrus uses Inertial, boost phase only guidance.
Which entered service first, the Dongfeng DF-3 or R-17 Elbrus?
The R-17 Elbrus entered service first in 1962, 9 years before the Dongfeng DF-3 which entered service in 1971.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Dongfeng DF-3 or R-17 Elbrus?
The R-17 Elbrus has been produced in greater numbers with 7,000 units compared to 110 units of the Dongfeng DF-3.