Article Posted on : - Nov 09, 2015

A file photo.

BALASORE, ODISHA (PTI): India on Monday successfully test-fired its nuclear-capable long range strategic ballistic missile Agni-IV with a strike range of 4,000 km from a test complex off Odisha coast.

Long range ballistic missile Agni IV was successfully flight tested at 9.45 am from Dr A P J Abdul Kalam (Wheeler) Island launch complex, said Defence Ministry spokesperson Sitanshu Kar.

Agni-I, II and III and Prithvi missiles are already in the arsenal of the armed forces, giving them reach of over 3000 km, providing the country with an effective deterrence capability.

The mission met all objectives as monitored and confirmed by the telemetry, Electro-optical stations, Radar stations along the coast, the spokesperson said.

The surface to surface Agni-IV missile having 4000 km strike range is a two stage missile. It is 20 meter long and weighs 17 tonnes.

The sophisticated surface-to-surface missile is equipped with modern and compact avionics to provide high level of reliability, DRDO officials said.

Down range ships positioned at the target point monitored the terminal event, the spokesperson said on Twitter adding Project Director Tessy Thomas led today's lunch operations.

This was the fifth trial of Agni-IV missile. The last flight test, also conducted by the strategic force command (SFC) of the Indian Army as part of user trial on December 2, 2014 was successful, defence sources said.

Agni-IV missile is equipped with state-of-the-art Avionics, 5th generation On Board Computer and distributed architecture. It has the latest features to correct and guide itself 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), ensures the vehicle reach the target within two digit accuracy, they said.

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