Hwasong-12 vs LGM-30 Minuteman III
Overview
The Hwasong-12 and the LGM-30 Minuteman III are both Ballistic missiles.
The LGM-30 Minuteman III has a range of 14,000 km — 3.1x the Hwasong-12's 4,500 km. The Hwasong-12 reaches 20,800 km/h vs 28,200 km/h for the LGM-30 Minuteman III. The Hwasong-12 carries a 650 kg warhead vs 1150 kg for the LGM-30 Minuteman III. Launch weight is 24,700 kg for the Hwasong-12 vs 36,030 kg for the LGM-30 Minuteman III. The Hwasong-12 uses Inertial guidance, while the LGM-30 Minuteman III relies on Inertial.
The Hwasong-12 has been produced in 26 units vs 550 for the LGM-30 Minuteman III. The LGM-30 Minuteman III entered service 47 years before the Hwasong-12 (1970 vs 2017).
| North Korean ballistic missile, entered service in 2017, with a maximum range of 6,000 km. | |
| Origin | 🇰🇵 North Korea |
| Category | Ballistic |
| Type | Intermediate-range ballistic missile |
| Manufacturer | North Korea |
| Service year | 2017 |
| Number produced | 26 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 | 4,500.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 17.0 ◉ |
| Weight | 24,700 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 650.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 16.50 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 1500 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Inertial |
| Warhead type | Conventional; possibly nuclear-capable |
| 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
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the Hwasong-12 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III has a longer range at 14,000 km compared to the Hwasong-12's 4,500 km.
Which is faster, the Hwasong-12 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 23.0 compared to the Hwasong-12's Mach 17.0.
Which has a larger warhead, the Hwasong-12 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III carries a larger warhead at 1,150 kg compared to the Hwasong-12's 650 kg.
Which is heavier, the Hwasong-12 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III is heavier at 36,030 kg compared to the Hwasong-12's 24,700 kg.
Which is longer, the Hwasong-12 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III is longer at 18.30 meters compared to the Hwasong-12's 16.50 meters.
What guidance systems do the Hwasong-12 and LGM-30 Minuteman III use?
The Hwasong-12 uses Inertial guidance while the LGM-30 Minuteman III uses Inertial guidance.
Which entered service first, the Hwasong-12 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III entered service first in 1970, 47 years before the Hwasong-12 which entered service in 2017.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Hwasong-12 or LGM-30 Minuteman III?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III has been produced in greater numbers with 550 units compared to 26 units of the Hwasong-12.