AGNI-IV, the 4000 kms range Nuclear Capable ballistic missile was successfully launched today at 1052 hrs today, i.e. 20th January 2014, from the Wheeler Island off the coast of Odisha. This was the third consecutively successful trial and the last one in the series of development launches. The missile took off majestically, rose to a height of over 850 km, covered the intended range in about 20 minutes, and hit the target with two digit accuracy; 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. Hon'ble Defence Minister, Shri AK Antony congratulated the DRDO Chief 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 SFC personnel. The missile is now ready for induction and its serial production will now begin” said Shri Avinash Chander, SA to RM, Secretary Dept of Defence R&D, and DG DRDO, who commanded the launch sequence. He congratulated all the team members from DRDO and SFC.
‘Today’s launch takes India’s level of deterrence and its preparedness and effectiveness to newer heights. Seen together with recent momentous events: the second launch of Agni 5, operational clearance of Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, achieving the criticality of nuclear rector of India’s first nuclear powered submarine ‘Arihant’, completion of development phase of underwater launched missile BO5 and development of Mark II version of Arjun main battle tank, it also reflects the high maturity level of India’s capabilities in design development and leading to production, contemporary weapons and platforms for strengthening its deterrence and defence capabilities”, stated Shri Avinash Chander. Agni 4 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 within two digit accuracy.
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 1, 2, 3 and Prithvi are already in the arsenal of armed forces, giving them reach of over 3000 km, giving India an effective deterrence capability. Dr V.G. Sekaran, DS & DG (MSS) reviewed the launch activities and guided the team. Smt Tessy Thomas, Project Director AGNI-IV led the team of scientists during the operation. Dr DN Reddy, Chairman, RAC, Shri S Sundaresh, DS and DG ACE & CCR&D (SI&PC), Shri Sibnath Som, Director DRDL, Dr Jayaraman, Director ASL, Shri MVKV Prasad, Director ITR, Dr Manmohan Singh, Directior VRDE, Dr Manjeet Singh, Director TBRL witnessed the launch. Shri Jugal Kishore Mohapatra, Chief Secretary and Shri Vipin Saxena, Principal Home Secretary, Odisha also witnessed the launch.
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