DHAKA: India on Monday test-fired its nuclear-capable strategic ballistic missile Agni-IV, capable of hitting a target at a distance of 4,000 kms, from a test range off the Odisha coast as part of a user trial by the armed forces.

Supported by a mobile launcher, the sleek missile was flight tested from the launch complex-4 of Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Abdul Kalam Island, formerly known as Wheeler Island, at about 0945 hours, defense sources said, reports The Times of India.

The indigenously developed surface-to-surface Agni-IV missile is a two-stage weapon system. It is 20 meters long and weighs 17 tones. The trial was conducted by Strategic Force Command (SFC) of the army, they said.

‘The sophisticated surface-to-surface missile is equipped with modern and compact avionics to provide high level of reliability,’ sources in Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) said.

Agni-IV missile is equipped with 5th generation onboard computer and distributed architecture. It has the latest features to correct and guide itself for in-flight disturbances, they said.

The most accurate ring laser gyro-based inertial navigation system (RINS) and supported by highly reliable redundant micro navigation system (MINGS), ensures the vehicle reaches the target within two-digit accuracy.

The re-entry heat shield can withstand temperatures in the range of 4000 degrees centigrade and makes sure the avionics function normally with inside temperature remaining less than 50 degrees centigrade.

BDST: 1325 HRS, Nov 09, 2015
RR