Agni I test fire in 2012 India is developing a new short range ballistic missile to replace its first generation Pakistan focused ballis...
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| Agni I test fire in 2012 |
India is developing a new short range ballistic missile to replace its first generation Pakistan focused ballistics missiles Prithvi and Agni I developed in the 1980s.
This latest generation missile dubbed the Agni-1P will have a range from 300-700 km reports Business Standard's Ajai Shukla.
The two stage solid fueled missile will feature advanced technologies later developed for the Agni III, Agni IV and Agni V ballistic missiles including composite rocket motor, electro-mechanical actuators and ring laser gyroscope based inertial navigation systems.
These technologies will enable a more lighter missile with improved Circular Error Probability (CEP), than the older ones.
India's ballistic missile program began in 1980s under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP).
The single stage twin engined, liquid fueled Prithvi was the first surface to surface missile developed under the program with a short range of 150 km.
Weighing 4400 kg, the nuclear capable missile with a payload of 1000 kg was designed as a tactical battlefield weapon launched from a Tatra transporter erector launcher (TEL).
Prithvi I entered Indian Army service in 1994. Later, Prithvi II for Air force and ship-borne Prithvi III versions were developed with a range of 250 and 350 km respectively.
Prithvi featured a maneuverable trajectory, field interchangeable warheads and a and strap-down inertial guidance system.
The missile had poor CEP and the highly volatile and corrosive liquid propellant which has to be loaded just prior to launch reduced its effectiveness.
The Pritihvi I will be replace by the Prahaar solid fueled tactical missile first test fired in 2011 which have a range of 150 km.
The single stage Agni I (Fire in Hindi) with a range of 750 km was derived using the first stage of 2500 km range Agni II missile. The missile weighing 12 tonnes and 15 metres long was first test fired in 2002.
Despite sanctions from the West, India successfully developed its strategic nuclear deterrent ballistic missile fleet, which have now tested the road mobile 5000 km range Agni V.
A canisterised version of Agni V, which can hermetically preserve the missile for years, will be test fired shortly
