Dongfeng DF-3 vs Dongfeng DF-41

The Dongfeng DF-3 and the Dongfeng DF-41 are both Ballistic missiles. The Dongfeng DF-41 has a range of 15,000 km — 3.0x the Dongfeng DF-3's 5,000 km. The Dongfeng DF-3 reaches 20,000 km/h vs 31,425 km/h for the Dongfeng DF-41. The Dongfeng DF-3 carries a 2150 kg warhead vs 2500 kg for the Dongfeng DF-41. Launch weight is 64,000 kg for the Dongfeng DF-3 vs 80,000 kg for the Dongfeng DF-41. The Dongfeng DF-3 uses Astro-inertial guidance guidance, while the Dongfeng DF-41 relies on Inertial, likely with stellar updates and BeiDou. The Dongfeng DF-3 entered service 46 years before the Dongfeng DF-41 (1971 vs 2017).

Chinese intermediate-range ballistic missile, entering service in 1971, uses astro-inertial guidance.
Origin 🇨🇳 China
Category Ballistic
Type Intermediate-range ballistic missile
Manufacturer Chinese State Industry
Service year 1971
Number produced 110 units
Estimated unit price NA
Chinese ICBM, entered service in 2017, has an estimated range of 15,000 km.
Origin 🇨🇳 China
Category Ballistic
Type ICBM
Manufacturer China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology
Service year 2017
Number produced -- units
Estimated unit price NA
Range 5,000.0 km
Maximum speed Mach 16.3
Weight 64,000 kg
Warhead 2150.0 kg
Length 24.00 m
Diameter 2250 mm
Guidance Astro-inertial guidance
Warhead type Nuclear
Range 15,000.0 km
Maximum speed Mach 25.7
Weight 80,000 kg
Warhead 2500.0 kg
Length 22.00 m
Diameter 2250 mm
Guidance Inertial, likely with stellar updates and BeiDou
Warhead type Nuclear MIRV

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has longer range, the Dongfeng DF-3 or Dongfeng DF-41?
The Dongfeng DF-41 has a longer range at 15,000 km compared to the Dongfeng DF-3's 5,000 km.
Which is faster, the Dongfeng DF-3 or Dongfeng DF-41?
The Dongfeng DF-41 is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 25.7 compared to the Dongfeng DF-3's Mach 16.3.
Which has a larger warhead, the Dongfeng DF-3 or Dongfeng DF-41?
The Dongfeng DF-41 carries a larger warhead at 2,500 kg compared to the Dongfeng DF-3's 2,150 kg.
Which is heavier, the Dongfeng DF-3 or Dongfeng DF-41?
The Dongfeng DF-41 is heavier at 80,000 kg compared to the Dongfeng DF-3's 64,000 kg.
Which is longer, the Dongfeng DF-3 or Dongfeng DF-41?
The Dongfeng DF-3 is longer at 24.00 meters compared to the Dongfeng DF-41's 22.00 meters.
What guidance systems do the Dongfeng DF-3 and Dongfeng DF-41 use?
The Dongfeng DF-3 uses Astro-inertial guidance guidance while the Dongfeng DF-41 uses Inertial, likely with stellar updates and BeiDou guidance.
Which entered service first, the Dongfeng DF-3 or Dongfeng DF-41?
The Dongfeng DF-3 entered service first in 1971, 46 years before the Dongfeng DF-41 which entered service in 2017.