Second Agni V test likely on Sept 15

Balasore, Sep 13

A second test flight of long range, nuclear capable Agni-V missile might be taken up on September 15 from Wheeler Island on Odisha’s coast, if the weather permits.

“If everything goes according to plan and weather condition allows for a smooth launch, the test might be taken up on September 15 from launch pad-4,” an official of Defence Research and Development Organisation said on Friday.

Scientists and officials associated with the project were quite hopeful of a good performance as the first trial on April 19, 2012 was a total success.

“Preparation in the Integrated Test Range has reached a final stage and the missile and its sub-systems have been put to last minute check,” the DRDO official said.

“As it is a developmental trial, the missile system and battery of networks associated with the test are to be validated before going for the launch,” he said.

The surface-to-surface, three stage solid propellant missile is designed to deliver nuclear warheads of 1000 kg at a range of 5000 km, the sources said.

Standing about 17 meter tall, the state-of-the-art missile could take off from a mobile launcher with or without a canister system. (PTI)