Friday, Apr 13, 2007
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Agni-III test-fired successfully http://www.hindu.com/2007/04/13/stories/2007041304010100.htm
Y. Mallikarjun
It will help in moving closer to developing ICBMs
HYDERABAD : Nuclear capable long-range ballistic missile Agni-III was successfully test-fired on Thursday, signalling India's entry into a select group of nations that have the ability to hit targets 3,500 km away with accuracy and precision.
The 16.7-metre tall surface-to-surface missile lifted off at 10.52 a.m. from the Wheeler Island, off the coast of Orissa, and impacted on a pre-determined target in the ocean after flying for 13 minutes. It reached an altitude of 400 km before re-entering the earth's atmosphere. Turning point
The achievement marks a turning point in the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, as the Agni is expected to be the mainstay of the country's minimum credible nuclear deterrence. The success of Agni-III will also facilitate the nation to move closer to developing Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles with a range of more than 5,000 km.
Agni-III programme director Avinash Chander told The Hindu from the Wheeler Island that all mission objectives were attained, with the lift-off, systems and sub-systems working with textbook precision till the designated range was achieved.
The success, coming in nine months after the maiden flight-test failed, established larger range capability for the country, he said.
V. K. Saraswat, Chief Controller (Missiles and Strategic Systems), Defence Research and Development Organisation, said radars at Chandipur, Port Blair and naval ships present at the impact point recorded the entire event - from take-off to the splash down.
Several new technologies were validated in the indigenous missile. Unlike in July 2006, the first and second stages of the solid-fuelled missile got separated smoothly after the take-off.
The crucial propulsion, powered by the rocket motors, and the re-entry technology performed as per the specified parameters.
Mr. Avinash said the problems faced during the maiden flight were addressed and design modifications made. The success also validated the re-entry technology.
Having a payload capacity of 1.5 tonne, the missile could be launched from both mobile and static platforms.
While several new generation technologies, including a flex nozzle, were tried in Thursday's flight, a thermal protection was put in the base region. Certain interaction caused excess heat in the base region during the first flight.
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