AGNI-IV, the 4000 kms range Nuclear Capable Ballistic Missile was successfully launched today from the Wheeler island off the coast of Odisha. This was the third successful trial and the last one in the series of development launches. The missile took off, rose to a height of over 850 km, covered the intended range in about 20 minutes, and hit the target; meeting all mission objectives and proving the capabilities of the missile.
The AGNI-IV missile propelled by composite solid fuel rocket motor technology was launched from its road mobile launcher indigenously developed by DRDO. The long range Radars and Electro-Optical Tracking Systems (EOTS) located all along the coast have tracked and monitored all the parameters throughout the flight. Two ships located near the target point tracked the vehicle and witnessed the final event. The Defence Minister, Shri AK Antony congratulated the DG, DRDO and Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister, Shri Avinash Chander and his team on the success.
“The event is of greater significance since the system was tested in its deliverable configuration with the active participation of Strategic Forces Command (SFC) personnel. The missile is now ready for induction and its serial production will now begin” said Shri Avinash Chander, who commanded the launch sequence. He congratulated all the team members from DRDO and SFC. ‘
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 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. The re-entry heat shield withstood temperatures in the range of 4000 degree centigrade and made 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 armed forces, giving them reach of over 3000 km, giving India an effective deterrence capability.
