Dongfeng DF-31 vs LGM-30 Minuteman III
The Dongfeng DF-31 and the LGM-30 Minuteman III are both Ballistic missiles. Range is 11,200 km for the Dongfeng DF-31 vs 14,000 km for the LGM-30 Minuteman III. The Dongfeng DF-31 reaches 29,376 km/h vs 28,200 km/h for the LGM-30 Minuteman III. The Dongfeng DF-31 carries a 1050 kg warhead vs 1150 kg for the LGM-30 Minuteman III. Launch weight is 54,000 kg for the Dongfeng DF-31 vs 36,030 kg for the LGM-30 Minuteman III. The Dongfeng DF-31 uses Astro-inertial guidance with BeiDou guidance, while the LGM-30 Minuteman III relies on Inertial. The LGM-30 Minuteman III entered service 47 years before the Dongfeng DF-31 (1970 vs 2017).
| Chinese ICBM, entering service in 2017, uses astro-inertial guidance with BeiDou. | |
| Origin | 🇨🇳 China |
| Category | Ballistic |
| Type | Intercontinental Ballistic Missile |
| Manufacturer | Academy of Rocket Motors Technology |
| Service year | 2017 |
| Number produced | -- 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 | 11,200.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 24.0 ◉ |
| Weight | 54,000 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 1050.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 21.60 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 2370 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Astro-inertial guidance with BeiDou |
| Warhead type | Nuclear MIRV |
| 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-31 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III has a longer range at 14,000 km compared to the Dongfeng DF-31's 11,200 km.
Which is faster, the Dongfeng DF-31 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The Dongfeng DF-31 is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 24.0 compared to the LGM-30 Minuteman III's Mach 23.0.
Which has a larger warhead, the Dongfeng DF-31 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III carries a larger warhead at 1,150 kg compared to the Dongfeng DF-31's 1,050 kg.
Which is heavier, the Dongfeng DF-31 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The Dongfeng DF-31 is heavier at 54,000 kg compared to the LGM-30 Minuteman III's 36,030 kg.
Which is longer, the Dongfeng DF-31 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The Dongfeng DF-31 is longer at 21.60 meters compared to the LGM-30 Minuteman III's 18.30 meters.
What guidance systems do the Dongfeng DF-31 and LGM-30 Minuteman III use?
The Dongfeng DF-31 uses Astro-inertial guidance with BeiDou guidance while the LGM-30 Minuteman III uses Inertial guidance.
Which entered service first, the Dongfeng DF-31 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III entered service first in 1970, 47 years before the Dongfeng DF-31 which entered service in 2017.