LGM-30 Minuteman III vs Trident 2D5

The LGM-30 Minuteman III and the Trident 2D5 are both Ballistic missiles. Range is 14,000 km for the LGM-30 Minuteman III vs 12,000 km for the Trident 2D5. The LGM-30 Minuteman III reaches 28,200 km/h vs 29,020 km/h for the Trident 2D5. The LGM-30 Minuteman III carries a 1150 kg warhead vs 175 kg for the Trident 2D5. Launch weight is 36,030 kg for the LGM-30 Minuteman III vs 58,500 kg for the Trident 2D5. The LGM-30 Minuteman III uses Inertial guidance, while the Trident 2D5 relies on MK 6 astro-inertial guidance. The LGM-30 Minuteman III has been produced in 550 units vs 844 for the Trident 2D5. Unit cost is $7M for the LGM-30 Minuteman III vs $85.5M for the Trident 2D5. The LGM-30 Minuteman III entered service 20 years before the Trident 2D5 (1970 vs 1990).

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 submarine-launched ballistic missile, entered service in 1990, utilizing MK 6 astro-inertial guidance.
Origin 🇺🇸 United States
Category Ballistic
Type Submarine-launched ballistic missile
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin
Service year 1990
Number produced 844 units
Estimated unit price $85.5 million
Range 14,000.0 km â—‰
Maximum speed Mach 23.0 â—‰
Weight 36,030 kg â—‰
Warhead 1150.0 kg â—‰
Length 18.30 m â—‰
Diameter 1680 mm â—‰
Guidance Inertial
Warhead type Nuclear
Range 12,000.0 km â—‰
Maximum speed Mach 23.7 â—‰
Weight 58,500 kg â—‰
Warhead 175.0 kg â—‰
Length 13.41 m â—‰
Diameter 2110 mm â—‰
Guidance MK 6 astro-inertial guidance
Warhead type 8 nuclear MIRV

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has longer range, the LGM-30 Minuteman III or Trident 2D5?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III has a longer range at 14,000 km compared to the Trident 2D5's 12,000 km.
Which is faster, the LGM-30 Minuteman III or Trident 2D5?
The Trident 2D5 is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 23.7 compared to the LGM-30 Minuteman III's Mach 23.0.
Which has a larger warhead, the LGM-30 Minuteman III or Trident 2D5?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III carries a larger warhead at 1,150 kg compared to the Trident 2D5's 175 kg.
Which is heavier, the LGM-30 Minuteman III or Trident 2D5?
The Trident 2D5 is heavier at 58,500 kg compared to the LGM-30 Minuteman III's 36,030 kg.
Which is longer, the LGM-30 Minuteman III or Trident 2D5?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III is longer at 18.30 meters compared to the Trident 2D5's 13.41 meters.
What guidance systems do the LGM-30 Minuteman III and Trident 2D5 use?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III uses Inertial guidance while the Trident 2D5 uses MK 6 astro-inertial guidance guidance.
Which entered service first, the LGM-30 Minuteman III or Trident 2D5?
The LGM-30 Minuteman III entered service first in 1970, 20 years before the Trident 2D5 which entered service in 1990.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the LGM-30 Minuteman III or Trident 2D5?
The Trident 2D5 has been produced in greater numbers with 844 units compared to 550 units of the LGM-30 Minuteman III.