BALASORE: India successfully flight-tested surface-to-surface Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) Agni-IV in full operational configuration from a defence base off the Odisha coast on Tuesday, proving the operational readiness of the armed forces.
For the first time, the entire launch operation was conducted by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) of the Army, the user of the weapon system. This was the fourth consecutive successful test of the missile and second in one year. Last developmental trial of the missile was conducted on January 20.
Defence sources said the indigenously developed nuclear capable strategic missile was fired for its full strike range of 4,000 km from the launching complex-IV of the Wheeler Island test facility of Integrated Test Range (ITR) at about 10.20 am. “The missile rose to a height of over 800 km and covered the intended range in 20 minutes. It successfully reached the target area with two digit accuracy meeting all mission objectives and proving the capabilities of the missile,” said a defence official.
The Agni-IV missile propelled by composite solid fuel rocket motor technology was launched from its road mobile launcher indigenously developed by DRDO. The long range radars and Electro-Optical Tracking Systems (EOTS) located all along the coast tracked and monitored all the parameters throughout the flight. Two ships located near the target point tracked the vehicle.
The second long-range missile in India’s arsenal after 5,000 km range Agni-V equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, fifth generation onboard computer and distributed architecture has the latest features to correct and guide for in-flight disturbances.
“The most accurate Ring Laser Gyro based Inertial Navigation System (RINS) and supported by highly reliable redundant Micro Navigation System (MINGS) ensured that the vehicle reach the target with high accuracy. The re-entry heat shield withstood temperature of more than 3,000 degree Centigrade and made sure the avionics function normally with inside temperature less than 50 degree Centigrade,” said the official.
The two-stage solid propelled missile is 20 metre tall and weighs around 17 tonne. Compared to the Pershing missile of the US in terms of technology, the Agni-IV has many cutting-edge technologies, which can meet global standards.
“The missile having capability to carry strategic warheads for the armed forces will provide a fantastic deterrence to the country. Production of the missile has been started and the test was from the limited stock production series,” the official added.