User trial of Prithvi-II successfully conducted at Chandipur ITR in Odisha

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Baleswar, Feb 19

India today successfully conducted the user trial of its indigenously developed nuclear-capable Prithvi-II surface-to-surface missile, from a test range at Chandipur in Odisha’s Baleswar district.

The state-of-the-art missile, which is capable of carrying 500 kg to 1000 kg of warheads, was test-fired from a mobile launcher in salvo mode from launch pad -3 of Integrated Test Range (ITR) at about 9.19 AM.

The launch of the sophisticated missile was conducted as part of operational exercise by the Strategic Force Command (SFC) of the Defence services.

The missile was randomly chosen from the production stock and the total launch activities were carried out by the specially formed SFC and monitored by the scientists of Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) as part of practice drill.

The Prithvi-II missile, developed by the DRDO, is already inducted into the Indian Armed forces.

With a strike range of 350 km, the missile is 8.56 metres in length, 110 cm in girth and weighs 4,600 kg. It is thrusted by liquid propulsion twin engines and uses advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvring trajectory.

Work on development of Prithvi-II began way back in 1983 jointly by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO and Bharat Dynamics Ltd.

The surface-to-surface missile was first test fired in 1996 and then several times subsequently.

During its first test firing the missile had a strike range of 250 km which following subsequent trials and development has been raised to 350 km.