BALASORE: Indian army on Monday successfully conducted second user trial of surface-to-surface nuclear capable missile Agni-IV, first of its kind in the world, from a defence base off the Odisha coast making the weapon ready for its series of production.
Defence sources said the test was carried out from a road mobile launcher positioned at the launching complex-IV of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island test facility at about 9.45 am. This indigenously developed intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM) was fired with a dummy payload in full operational configuration.
Propelled by composite solid fuel rocket motor technology the missile took off majestically and rose to a height of over 800 km before covering the intended range in about 20 minutes. It hit the target with two digit accuracy meeting all mission objectives and proving the capabilities of the missile.
In a statement Defence spokesperson Sitanshu Kar said the mission met all objectives as monitored and confirmed by the telemetry, Electro-optical stations, Radar stations along the coast.
"Down range ships positioned at the target point monitored the terminal event. Project Director Tessy Thomas led launch operations," he stated.
Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister G Sateesh Reddy and senior DRDO officials were also present along with the Army bigwigs during the test. The event was of greater significance as the system was tested in its deliverable configuration by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) personnel of the army.
The successful test of Agni-IV took India’s level of deterrence, its preparedness and effectiveness to newer heights.
“This missiles series of successes reflects the high maturity level of the country’s capabilities in design development and leading to production, contemporary weapons and platforms for strengthening its deterrence and defence capabilities,” said a defence official.
Agni-IV is equipped with state of the art avionics, fifth generation on board computer and distributed architecture.
The most accurate Ring Laser Gyro based Inertial Navigation System (RINS) and supported by highly reliable redundant Micro Navigation System (MINGS), ensured the vehicle reach the target within two digit accuracy.
The re-entry heat shield made of carbon composite material withstood temperatures in the range of 4000 degree centigrade and made sure the avionics function normally with inside temperature remaining less than 50 degree centigrade. The two-stage solid propelled missile is 20 meter tall and weighs around 17 tonne. It can carry warhead upto one tonne.
This was sixth test of the missile. It was first tested on December 10, 2010 which had failed while its second, third, fourth and fifth tests on November 15, 2011, September 19, 2012, January 20 and December 2, last year were successful.