LGM-30 Minuteman III vs M-39 ATACMS

The LGM-30 Minuteman III and the M-39 ATACMS are both Ballistic missiles. The LGM-30 Minuteman III has a range of 14,000 km — 47:1 the M-39 ATACMS's 300 km. The LGM-30 Minuteman III reaches 28,200 km/h vs 3,600 km/h for the M-39 ATACMS. The LGM-30 Minuteman III carries a 1150 kg warhead vs 214 kg for the M-39 ATACMS. Launch weight is 36,030 kg for the LGM-30 Minuteman III vs 1,674 kg for the M-39 ATACMS. The LGM-30 Minuteman III uses Inertial guidance, while the M-39 ATACMS relies on GPS-aided inertial navigation guidance. The LGM-30 Minuteman III has been produced in 550 units vs 3,700 for the M-39 ATACMS. Unit cost is $7M for the LGM-30 Minuteman III vs $1.7M for the M-39 ATACMS. The LGM-30 Minuteman III entered service 21 years before the M-39 ATACMS (1970 vs 1991).

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
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 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
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 LGM-30 Minuteman III or M-39 ATACMS?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III has a longer range at 14,000 km compared to the M-39 ATACMS's 300 km.
Which is faster, the LGM-30 Minuteman III or M-39 ATACMS?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 23.0 compared to the M-39 ATACMS's Mach 2.9.
Which has a larger warhead, the LGM-30 Minuteman III or M-39 ATACMS?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III carries a larger warhead at 1,150 kg compared to the M-39 ATACMS's 214 kg.
Which is heavier, the LGM-30 Minuteman III or M-39 ATACMS?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III is heavier at 36,030 kg compared to the M-39 ATACMS's 1,674 kg.
Which is longer, the LGM-30 Minuteman III or M-39 ATACMS?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III is longer at 18.30 meters compared to the M-39 ATACMS's 3.96 meters.
What guidance systems do the LGM-30 Minuteman III and M-39 ATACMS use?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III uses Inertial guidance while the M-39 ATACMS uses GPS-aided inertial navigation guidance guidance.
Which entered service first, the LGM-30 Minuteman III or M-39 ATACMS?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III entered service first in 1970, 21 years before the M-39 ATACMS which entered service in 1991.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the LGM-30 Minuteman III or M-39 ATACMS?
The M-39 ATACMS has been produced in greater numbers with 3,700 units compared to 550 units of the LGM-30 Minuteman III.