Article Posted on : - Dec 02, 2014

A file photo of Agni IV test firing.

BALASORE, ODISHA (PTI): India on Tuesday successfully test-fired its nuclear-capable strategic ballistic missile Agni-IV, with a strike range of about 4000 km, from a test range off the Odisha coast.

This was the fourth trial of Agni-IV missile. The last trial was carried out successfully on January 20 this year from the same test range off Odisha coast.

Supported by a mobile launcher, the sleek missile was flight tested from launch complex-4 of Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Wheeler Island, at about 1020 hours.

The test, conducted by the specially formed Strategic Force Command (SFC) was successful, said Ravi Kumar Gupta, Director of the Directorate of Public Interface, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

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

Agni-IV 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 reaches the target within two digit accuracy.

The re-entry heat shield can withstand temperatures in the range of 4,000 degree centigrade and makes sure the avionics function normally with inside temperature remaining less than 50 degree centigrade.

Agni-I, II, III and Prithvi are already in the arsenal of Indian armed forces, giving them reach of over 3,000 km, giving India an effective deterrence capability.

Radars and electro-optical systems positioned along the coast of Odisha tracked and monitored all parameters of the missile, the sources said, adding two Indian naval ships anchored near the target area witnessed the final event.