Prithvi-II to be test-fired today

BALASORE (ORISSA) -18-06-2010 - * PRITHVI-IILAUNCHED* -- The medium range surface -to -surface ballistic missile - Prithvi - II lifting off from it's mobile launcher at Integrated Test Range at Chandipur off Orissa Coast on Friday. ---PHOTO: COURTESY : DRDO

A user trial of the nuclear-weapons capable, surface-to-surface Prithvi-II ballistic missile is scheduled to be conducted by the Strategic Forces Command at Chandipur, Orissa, on Friday.

The nine metre-tall, single stage liquid propelled missile has a maximum range of 350 km. It is capable of carrying warheads weighing 500-1,000 kg. It has already been inducted into the Air Force. It is equipped with an advanced inertial navigation system and has features to deceive anti-ballistic missiles.

Personnel of the Strategic Forces Command had successfully carried out a similar trial of Prtihvi-II on June 18. It was tested for a slightly lesser distance than its full range.