LGM-30 Minuteman III vs M51
The LGM-30 Minuteman III and the M51 are both Ballistic missiles. Range is 14,000 km for the LGM-30 Minuteman III vs 10,000 km for the M51. The LGM-30 Minuteman III reaches 28,200 km/h vs 30,870 km/h for the M51. Launch weight is 36,030 kg for the LGM-30 Minuteman III vs 52,000 kg for the M51. The LGM-30 Minuteman III uses Inertial guidance, while the M51 relies on Astro-inertial guidance. Unit cost is $7M for the LGM-30 Minuteman III vs $120M for the M51. The LGM-30 Minuteman III entered service 40 years before the M51 (1970 vs 2010).
| 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 | 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 | 10,000.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 25.2 ◉ |
| Weight | 52,000 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | -- kg |
| Length | 12.00 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 2300 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Astro-inertial guidance |
| Warhead type | Thermonuclear warheads |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the LGM-30 Minuteman III or M51?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III has a longer range at 14,000 km compared to the M51's 10,000 km.
Which is faster, the LGM-30 Minuteman III or M51?
The M51 is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 25.2 compared to the LGM-30 Minuteman III's Mach 23.0.
Which has a larger warhead, the LGM-30 Minuteman III or M51?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III carries a larger warhead at 1,150 kg compared to the M51's 0 kg.
Which is heavier, the LGM-30 Minuteman III or M51?
The M51 is heavier at 52,000 kg compared to the LGM-30 Minuteman III's 36,030 kg.
Which is longer, the LGM-30 Minuteman III or M51?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III is longer at 18.30 meters compared to the M51's 12.00 meters.
What guidance systems do the LGM-30 Minuteman III and M51 use?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III uses Inertial guidance while the M51 uses Astro-inertial guidance guidance.
Which entered service first, the LGM-30 Minuteman III or M51?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III entered service first in 1970, 40 years before the M51 which entered service in 2010.