India launches second test of nuclear-capable missile
India has successfully test-fired a 5,000 km-plus range nuclear capable Agni-V missile for the second time from Wheeler Island off the Orissa coast.
The missile, which had its maiden test on April 19 last year, is capable of reaching deep into China.
The surface-to-surface ballistic missile, powered by three stage solid rocket motors, was fired from DRDO's Launch Complex at Wheeler's Island at 8.50am on Sunday, the Defence Research and Development Organisation said.
Launch: India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) launched an Agni V intercontinental ballistic missile at Wheeler Island, Orissa state
The Indian developed missile is about 17 metres long and 2 metres wide, and weighs around 50 tonnes.
The missile, capable of carrying a nuclear warhead weighing more than one tonne, was 'auto launched', defence sources said, adding that the detailed results of the test were being analysed.
"The navigation systems, very high accuracy Ring Laser Gyro based Inertial Navigation System (RINS) and the most modern and accurate Micro Navigation System (MINS) ensured the missiles reach the target point within few meters of accuracy," the release said.
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In the Agni series, India at present has Agni-I with 700km range, Agni-II with 2,000km range, Agni-III and Agni-IV with 2,500km to more than 3,500km range.
