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

Dongfeng DF-4 vs LGM-30 Minuteman III

Change comparison vs
Specifications
Dongfeng DF-4 LGM-30 Minuteman III
Origin 🇨🇳 China 🇺🇸 United States
Category Ballistic Ballistic
Type Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)
Manufacturer Factory 211 (Capital Astronautics Co.) Boeing
Service year 1975 1970
Number produced -- units 550 units
Estimated unit price NA $7 million
Range 5,500.0 km 14,000.0 km
Maximum speed Mach 18.0 Mach 23.0
Weight 82,000 kg 36,030 kg
Warhead 2190.0 kg 1150.0 kg
Length 28.05 m 18.30 m
Diameter 2250 mm 1680 mm
Guidance Astro-inertial guidance Inertial
Warhead type Nuclear Nuclear
Scale Comparison
DONGFENG DF-4 28.05 m LGM-30 MINUTEMAN III 18.30 m 1.75 m
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The Dongfeng DF-4 and the LGM-30 Minuteman III are both Ballistic missiles.

The LGM-30 Minuteman III has a range of 14,000 km — 2.5:1 the Dongfeng DF-4's 5,500 km. The Dongfeng DF-4 reaches 22,000 km/h vs 28,200 km/h for the LGM-30 Minuteman III. The Dongfeng DF-4 carries a 2190 kg warhead vs 1150 kg for the LGM-30 Minuteman III. Launch weight is 82,000 kg for the Dongfeng DF-4 vs 36,030 kg for the LGM-30 Minuteman III. The Dongfeng DF-4 uses Astro-inertial guidance guidance, while the LGM-30 Minuteman III relies on Inertial.

The LGM-30 Minuteman III entered service 5 years before the Dongfeng DF-4 (1970 vs 1975).

Related Comparisons
LGM-30 Minuteman III vs RS-24 Yars Dongfeng DF-4 vs Jericho Dongfeng DF-4 vs M-39 ATACMS Dongfeng DF-4 vs AGM-69 SRAM Dongfeng DF-4 vs Trident 2D5 Dongfeng DF-4 vs OTR-23 Oka

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has longer range, the Dongfeng DF-4 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III has a longer range at 14,000 km compared to the Dongfeng DF-4's 5,500 km.
Which is faster, the Dongfeng DF-4 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-4's Mach 18.0.
Which has a larger warhead, the Dongfeng DF-4 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The Dongfeng DF-4 carries a larger warhead at 2,190 kg compared to the LGM-30 Minuteman III's 1,150 kg.
Which is heavier, the Dongfeng DF-4 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The Dongfeng DF-4 is heavier at 82,000 kg compared to the LGM-30 Minuteman III's 36,030 kg.
Which is longer, the Dongfeng DF-4 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The Dongfeng DF-4 is longer at 28.05 meters compared to the LGM-30 Minuteman III's 18.30 meters.
What guidance systems do the Dongfeng DF-4 and LGM-30 Minuteman III use?
The Dongfeng DF-4 uses Astro-inertial guidance guidance while the LGM-30 Minuteman III uses Inertial guidance.
Which entered service first, the Dongfeng DF-4 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III entered service first in 1970, 5 years before the Dongfeng DF-4 which entered service in 1975.