Agni-V likely to be tested on 15 Sept

Balasore: A second test flight of long range, nuclear capable Agni-V missile might be take up on 15 September from Wheeler Island on Odisha’s coast, if the weather permits. “If everything goes according to plan and weather condition allows for a smooth launch, the test might be taken up on 15 September from launch pad-4,” an official of Defence Research and Development Organisation said today.[caption id=“attachment_1107069” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Agni-V missile. Image courtesy PIB[/caption] Scientists and officials associated with the project were quite hopeful of a good performance as the first trial on 19 April 2012 was a total success. “Preparation in the Integrated Test Range has reached a final stage and the missile and its sub-systems have been put to last minute check,” the DRDO official said. “As it is a developmental trial, the missile system and battery of networks associated with the test are to be validated before going for final launch,” he said. The surface-to-surface, three stage solid propellant missile is designed to deliver nuclear warheads of 1000 kg at a range of 5000 km, the sources said. Standing about 17 meter tall, the state-of-the-art missile could take off from a mobile launcher with or without a canister system. PTI