Missile range comparison: from the V-1 to an ICBM
Compare two public range figures in kilometres on the same logarithmic scale. The tool runs from the V-1 and V-2 to cruise missiles, ballistic systems, SLBMs and ICBMs; it does not calculate routes, targets or effects.
V-1 (Fieseler Fi 103) · 250 km — Minuteman III (ICBM) · 13,000 km
Minuteman III (ICBM) reaches about 52 times farther than V-1 (Fieseler Fi 103)
Both lines start at the same point. Each interval multiplies distance: this is not a trajectory or geographic route.
V-1 (Fieseler Fi 103)
250 km · nominal maximum range
Typical operational range; some test variants flew farther.
Minuteman III (ICBM)
13,000 km · nominal maximum range
Approximate public figure for the U.S. land-based component.
Full scale
Select a row to compare it as the red line.
* Estimate, variable figure or condition-dependent envelope. It does not indicate accuracy, effectiveness or effects.
Popular comparisons
Method and limitations
Published range is not a universal constant: it varies with version, payload, flight profile and launch conditions. For air-to-air and air-defence missiles it is an approximate kinematic envelope, not a fixed circle or guaranteed intercept distance. Estimated figures carry an asterisk and are attributed as estimates.
Is this a strike-planning tool?
No. It only compares published or estimated maximum distances for historical and educational purposes; it contains no routes, accuracy, payloads, targets or employment procedures.
Why use a logarithmic scale?
It makes tens of kilometres and intercontinental ranges visible together. Each interval multiplies distance rather than adding a fixed amount.
More context: Weapons · Modern warfare
Sources / References
- CSIS Missile Defense Project, Missile Threat database (profiles and range classes).
- International Institute for Strategic Studies, The Military Balance (annual editions).
- U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy official fact sheets for Minuteman III, Trident II D5 and Tomahawk.
- U.S. Department of Defense, China Military Power Report (DF-26 and DF-41 estimates).
- Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and Imperial War Museums (V-1 and V-2).
- Lockheed Martin, MBDA, Kongsberg and RTX public product sheets for ATACMS, PrSM, Meteor, NSM and Tomahawk.