V-2 (A4) vs Minuteman III (ICBM)
Less than two decades of development separate the V-2 from the Minuteman family, and range grew about fortyfold: from about 320 km to about 13,000. The ballistic technology born at Peenemünde ended up in the intercontinental missiles of the Cold War. Minuteman III is still the land-based leg of the US nuclear triad today.
V-2 (A4) · 320 km — Minuteman III (ICBM) · 13,000 km
Minuteman III (ICBM) reaches about 40.6 times farther than V-2 (A4)
Both lines start at the same point. Each interval multiplies distance: this is not a trajectory or geographic route.
V-2 (A4)
320 km · nominal maximum range
Approximate design range of the first operational ballistic missile.
Minuteman III (ICBM)
13,000 km · nominal maximum range
Approximate public figure for the U.S. land-based component.
Full scale
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* Estimate, variable figure or condition-dependent envelope. It does not indicate accuracy, effectiveness or effects.
Figures used and how reliable they are
- V-2 (A4): 320 km. Approximate design range of the first operational ballistic missile.
- Minuteman III (ICBM): 13,000 km. Approximate public figure for the U.S. land-based component.
Related comparisons
Compare any other pair in the missile range comparison, with its full method. More context: Weapons · Modern warfare · All tools
Sources / References
- CSIS Missile Defense Project, Missile Threat database.
- IISS, The Military Balance (annual editions).
- U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy fact sheets for Minuteman III, Trident II D5 and Tomahawk.
- U.S. Department of Defense, China Military Power Report.