BALASORE: The Defence Research and Development Organisation is all set to test-fire the intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM) Agni-II Prime from a defence base next week.Defence sources said the trial will be conducted wither on November 14 or 15 for which preparations are in full swing at the Wheeler Island test facilities. The missile will be launched from the launching complex-IV.The indigenously developed nuclear-capable missile has a strike range of around 2,750 km. The DRDO scientists have taken all measures for its successful launch, as the maiden test was a failure in December last year.If tested successfully, this missile can be further developed to fill the gap between 3,000-km range Agni-III and 5,000- km range Agni-V. A defence official said this time there is no plan to test the missile beyond 3,000 km.“The missile had developed technical snags just after lift-off and crashed into sea during its previous trial. Though there has been no modification in terms of size and configuration, this time we are planning to reduce the warhead and study its performance,” he said.Initially the DRDO wants to check speed, trajectory, azimuth plane and other parameters of the missile set for the mission.“This time the focus will be on the initial height the missile is supposed to attain and its re-entry. If we achieve desired results on these fronts, it is possible that the missile can be readied to strike a target 4,000 km away,” said a defence scientist.Agni-II Prime is a two-stage solid propelled surface-to-surface missile. Weighing around 17 tonnes, the 20 metre-long missile is an improvement over Agni-II in terms of accuracy, distance and strength. In addition to the extra fuel capacity, it has a new motor in its re-entry vehicle for better manoeuvrability and increased range, a flex nozzle in the second stage to evade the enemy radar and an improved navigation system.Though the missile has the same size boosters as in Agni-II, the range can be extended further. A few changes have been incorporated in the missile to make it lighter while the weapon system this time has also been provided with greater thrust.
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