Canister-based Agni V test-fired successfully

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 31

In a significant first in the Indian nuclear missile history, the Agni V, an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was today successfully test-fired from a truck-mounted canister which provided it easy mobility.

The non-canister version of the AGNI V missile has already been successfully tested by India. The 17-m-long missile, weighing over 50 tonnes, was fired from Wheeler's Island off the Odisha coast.

A DRDO statement said the canister had a mobile launcher indicating that the missile can be rapidly deployed. "Today's launch from a canister integrated with a mobile sophisticated launcher was in its deliverable configuration that enables launch of the missile with a very short preparation time as compared to an open (land) launch. It also has advantages of higher reliability, longer shelf life, less maintenance and enhanced mobility", the statement said.

A missile which fires more than 5,500 km is classified as ICBM as per international norms. The DRDO said the test was a success as "the missile hit the designated target point accurately, meeting all mission objectives".

During the test today, the missile rose from its canister and its first stage motor ignited at height of 20 metre lifting Agni V into the sky. The flight continued on its predetermined path during which the second, an all composite light weight motor, followed by the third, a conical all composite rocket motor, propelled the missile into space taking it to a height of more than 600 km.

It tuned back towards earth after reaching a peak of its trajectory to hit the designated 'target' in the Indian Ocean. Backed by an onboard computer with a support of ring laser gyro-based inertial navigation system, the missile hit the designated target point accurately, meeting all mission objectives.

On its re-entry into atmosphere air rubbing 'the skin' of the missile raised its temperature to beyond 4,000°C while inside was an relatively ambient 50°C.

Dr Avinash Chander, the DRDO chief said "This is a momentous occasion. It is India's first-ever ICBM launch from a canister and is a giant leap in country's deterrence capability". He termed it a copy book launch with entire command network functioning in loop. Ironically, today was the last day in office for Dr Chander, whose work has been handed over to Defence Secretary RK Mathur, till a successor in appointed.

Ajit Doval, the National Security Advisor congratulated DRDO. Air Chief Marshal Anup Raha, who is Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of Air Staff had witnessed the entire launch operations from the control room.