The new generation missile, which has the capability
to hit targets at about 4,000 km away, was tested
from a facility Wheelers Island, about 200
km from here. DRDO spokesperson Dr Ravi Gupta
said that the test met all the mission objectives.
Significantly, in earlier statement, the range
of this missile was mentioned at 3,500 but the
figure given now is 4,000, indicating apparently
that it has been tweaked for a slightly longer
range. The warhead weight though remains the same,
1,000 kilograms.
An official statement said: "This long
range missile propelled by composite rocket motor
technology, was tested for its full capability.
The AGNI-IV missile launched from the road mobile
launcher, reached the pre-defined target in about
20 minutes. The missile equipped with state of
the art Avionics, 5th generation On Board Computer
and with distributed architecture has the latest
features to correct and guide for inflight disturbances.
The most accurate Ring Laser Gyro based Inertial
Navigation System (RINS) and supported by highly
reliable redundant Micro Navigation System (MINGS),
ensured the vehicle reach the target within two
digit accuracy. The re-entry heat shield withstood
temperatures of more than 3000 degree centigrade
and made sure the avionics function normally with
inside temperature less than 50 degree centigrade."
The flight of the missile was tracked by Electro-Optical
Tracking systems (EOTS) and radars located all
along the coast. Two Indian Navy ships located
near the target point also tracked the vehicle
and witnessed the final event.
Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat, Secretary Dept of
Defence R&D and DG DRDO, Mr Avinash Chander,
Programme Director AGNI, reviewed the total launch
activities and guided the team. Dr Tessy Thomas,
Project Director AGNI-IV, led the team of scientists
during the operation. Those present included Dr
S.K. Chaudhuri, Director RCI, Shri A.K. Chakrabarti,
Director DRDL, Dr V.G. Sekaran, Director ASL,
Shri MVKV Prasad, Director ITR.
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