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LGM-30 Minuteman III vs R-39

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Specifications
LGM-30 Minuteman III R-39
Origin 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Ballistic Ballistic
Type Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Submarine-launched ballistic missile
Manufacturer Boeing Soviet State Industry
Service year 1970 1983
Number produced 550 units 120 units
Estimated unit price $7 million NA
Range 14,000.0 km 8,300.0 km
Maximum speed Mach 23.0 Mach 19.6
Weight 36,030 kg 84,000 kg
Warhead 1150.0 kg 2550.0 kg
Length 18.30 m 16.10 m
Diameter 1680 mm 2400 mm
Guidance Inertial Astro-inertial guidance
Warhead type Nuclear Thermonuclear
Scale Comparison
LGM-30 MINUTEMAN III 18.30 m R-39 16.10 m 1.75 m
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The LGM-30 Minuteman III and the R-39 are both Ballistic missiles.

Range is 14,000 km for the LGM-30 Minuteman III vs 8,300 km for the R-39. The LGM-30 Minuteman III reaches 28,200 km/h vs 24,000 km/h for the R-39. The LGM-30 Minuteman III carries a 1150 kg warhead vs 2550 kg for the R-39. Launch weight is 36,030 kg for the LGM-30 Minuteman III vs 84,000 kg for the R-39. The LGM-30 Minuteman III uses Inertial guidance, while the R-39 relies on Astro-inertial guidance.

The LGM-30 Minuteman III has been produced in 550 units vs 120 for the R-39. The LGM-30 Minuteman III entered service 13 years before the R-39 (1970 vs 1983).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which has longer range, the LGM-30 Minuteman III or R-39?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III has a longer range at 14,000 km compared to the R-39's 8,300 km.
Which is faster, the LGM-30 Minuteman III or R-39?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 23.0 compared to the R-39's Mach 19.6.
Which has a larger warhead, the LGM-30 Minuteman III or R-39?
The R-39 carries a larger warhead at 2,550 kg compared to the LGM-30 Minuteman III's 1,150 kg.
Which is heavier, the LGM-30 Minuteman III or R-39?
The R-39 is heavier at 84,000 kg compared to the LGM-30 Minuteman III's 36,030 kg.
Which is longer, the LGM-30 Minuteman III or R-39?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III is longer at 18.30 meters compared to the R-39's 16.10 meters.
What guidance systems do the LGM-30 Minuteman III and R-39 use?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III uses Inertial guidance while the R-39 uses Astro-inertial guidance guidance.
Which entered service first, the LGM-30 Minuteman III or R-39?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III entered service first in 1970, 13 years before the R-39 which entered service in 1983.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the LGM-30 Minuteman III or R-39?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III has been produced in greater numbers with 550 units compared to 120 units of the R-39.