The first canister-based trial of the 5,000 km-plus, nuclear weapons-capable Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile, Agni-V, “in final induction configuration” is to be conducted after the monsoon season from Wheeler Island, off the Odisha coast.
As a prelude to the actual firing, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) technologists successfully carried out the final ‘Missile Ejection Test’ from a canister in simulated conditions on Saturday, according to Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister and DRDO Chief, Avinash Chander.
The test validated all the parameters that would have to be met during the actual launch. The final test was completed, he said, and added that the launch from the canister would now be carried out from Wheeler Island after monsoon.
During the actual launch, the first stage of Agni-V would be ignited at a height of 25-30 metres after its ejection from the canister, DRDO sources said. The solid propellant-based gas generator at the bottom of the canister would provide a force equivalent to 300-370 tonnes to push Agni-V to a height of 30 metres when the first of the three stages gets ignited.
Ensuring mid-air ignition of the first stage would eliminate the need to use jet deflectors when the flames erupt as the missile takes off. Also, canister launch would provide operational flexibility to the user to fire the missile from anywhere and makes the transportation of the weapon system much easier and safer. “It is better to carry the missile in a canister than in an open vehicle,” say the sources.
