Source : irna
The test-fire conducted by Strategic Force Command (SFC) of the Army was totally successful. Data analyses showed the trial met all parametres,ˈ pti reported quoting Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Spokesman Ravi Kumar Gupta. The indigenously developed surface-to-surface missile was flight-tested from a mobile launcher at launch complex-4 of the Integrated Test Range at about 1655 hrs. The entire launch operation of the missile, having a strike range of more than 3,000 km, was carried out by SFC with logistic support by DRDO. ˈIt was the second user trial in the Agni-III series carried out to establish the ˈrepeatabilityˈ of the missileˈs performance,ˈ a DRDO official said. Though the first developmental trial of Agni-III carried out on July 9, 2006 could not provide desired result, subsequent tests on April 12, 2007, May 7, 2008 and February 7, 2010 as well as the first user trial on September 21, 2012 from the same base were all successful. For data analysis, the entire trajectory of todayˈs trial was monitored through various telemetry stations, electro-optic systems and sophisticated radars located along the coast, and by naval ships anchored near the impact point, the sources said. The Agni-III missile is powered by a two-stage solid propellant system. With a length of 17 metres, the missileˈs diameter is 2 metres and launch weight is around 50 tonnes. It can carry warhead of 1.5 tonne which is protected by carbon all composite heat shield. The sleek missile, already inducted into the armed forces, is equipped with hybrid navigation, guidance and control systems along with advanced on-board computer. The electronic systems are hardened for higher vibration, thermal and acoustic effects, a DRDO scientist said.
