Another trial of Prithvi-II likely on Jan 7

Reported by Rashmi Ranjan Das

Baleswar, Jan 3 :

A user trial of the indigenously developed surface-to-surface short range ballistic missile Prithvi-II, is likely to be conducted from  the launch complex-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur on Tuesday, January 7.

Preparations for the test is at its final stage, a source in ITR said.

A Strategic Forces Command (SFC) will conduct the test, the source added.

The nuclear capable Prithvi-2 missile has already been inducted into India’s arsenal since 2003. It is the first missile to be developed by the DRDO under India’s prestigious Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP).

With a strike range of around 350Kms, the twin-engine Prithvi-II is 8.56 metres in length, 1.1 meter in width and weighs 4600 kg. It has the ability to dodge enemy missiles and is also equipped with ‘added inertial’ navigation system, a DRDO scientist said.

Prithvi-II  has been designed to operate with both liquid and solid fuels, and is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear payloads up to 500 kg.

The last user trial of Prithvi-II was carried out on December 3, 2013 from the same complex of the ITR.

It was first test-fired on January 27, 1996 and the development stages were completed in 2004.