India successfully tests launch of the ballistic missile Agni-II (VIDEO)
(WAPA) – India today carried out another test launch of a ballistic missile Agni-II from a military base located in the State of Orissa (center-east of the country). Initially scheduled for August 29, the test was postponed due to technical reasons for today. Officials declared that Agni-II, capable of carrying a nuclear groove, has destroyed its target as programmed.
This is the third test launch of a missile capable of carrying a nuclear payload since the beginning of September; in fact last Saturday a Shaurya was launched, while the following Monday 26th, it was the turn of a ballistic missile Prithvi-II, successfully launched from the State of Orissa as well.
Agni is the name of a family of ballistic missiles with medium-range and/or intermediate-range, developed by India to launch its nuclear warheads and other “special warheads”. The Agni-II has a range of 2200 km and 3000 km of theoretical, with a conventional warhead of 1000 kg or a 200 kiloton nuclear power. This version has redesigned from scratch the solid-fuel second stage, which replaces that of Prithvi: it can be launched with just 15 minutes’ notice, a big improvement when compared to the half-day of preparation necessary to prepare the launch of the Agni-I. The navigation system has been improved and is about three times more accurate than the first version. A mobile platform capable of carrying (and launch) the missile on both the road and rail has been developed for the Agni-II.
The hypersonic missile Shaurya is a tactical surface-to-surface developed by the organisation of research and development to Indian Defence (DRDO) for use by Indian armed forces. It has a range between 750 and 1900 km and is capable of carrying a payload of conventional warhead in tons, or nuclear. It is the ground version of the sub-marine missile Sagarika K-15.
The Prithvi project involved the development of 3 variants for the use of Army, Air Force and Navy. A range tactical ground-to-ground, ground-air and air-to-air short range. The variant-II (SS250) is destined for the Air Force and has a range of 250 km and a payload of 500 kg.