Nuclear capable ballistic missile Agni IV has been test fired by India from the test range off the coast of Odisha coast on December 2, 2014. The nuclear capable Agni IV has the strike target range of about 4000 km. Last trial on the missile was on Jan 20, 2014. The Agni IV missile was launched from the complex-4 of Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Wheeler Island.
The nuclear capable Agni IV is 20 metres tall, weighed 17 tonnes and operates with 2-stage solid propulsion. The Agni IV is built with 5th generation on board computer and other sophisticated architecture. It corrects itself to the in-flight disturbances.
Ring Laser Gyro based Inertial Navigation System (RINS) provides accuracy, while Micro Navigation System (MINGS) ensures double digit accuracy to reach the target. Re-entry heat shield can hold temperatures of 4000 degree Celsius and also ensures the internal temperature less than 50 degree Celsius.
The test firing was conducted by the Strategic Force Command (SFC) and monitored with radars and electro-optical systems stationed along the Odisha coast. Indian armed forces are already equipped with Agni I,II,III and Prithvi missiles with target reach of over 3000 km.
