AGNI-III missile test fired successfully from Wheeler Island

Agni-III the nuclear capable ballistic missile was successfully test-fired by India on 23 December 2013. It was test-fired for its full range of 3000kilometer from the Wheeler Island of Odisha Coast.

The test fire of the surface-to-surface missile was conducted by Strategic Forces Command (SFC) of the Indian Army with the logistic support from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The missile was flight-tested from a mobile launcher at launch complex number 4 of the Integrated Test Range. The Agni-III missile is powered by a two-stage solid propellant system.

The entire trajectory of the 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 for data analysis.

 It has a length of 17 metres, 2 metres diameter and launch weight is around 50 tonnes. It can carry a warhead of 1.5 tonne, which is protected by carbon all composite heat shield.

The missile has already been inducted into the armed forces is equipped with the hybrid navigation, guidance and control systems along with advanced on-board computer. The electronic systems are hardened for higher vibration, thermal and acoustic effects.

Agni-III’s first user successful trial was carried out on 21 September 2012 from the same base.