Successful test fire of Prithvi-II missile | Fusion - WeRIndia

India has successfully test-fired the indigenously developed nuclear capable Prithvi-II missile. The test happened from a test range at Chandipur in Odisha as part of a user trial by the army.

It is a surface to surface missile. It was tested from a mobile launcher from launch complex-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at around 9: 40 a.m. yesterday. According to sources, the army had a plan for two trials of Prithvi-2 in quick succession. However, the second trial has been abandoned because of technical problems despite the first one having a successful trial.

Previously on October 12, 2009, a similar twin trial was conducted from the same base. Both of those tests were successful.

The Prithvi-II missile has a strike range of 350 Km. With its payload carrying capacity, it can carry 500 kg to 1,000 kg of warheads. The missile is powered by liquid propulsion twin engines. It is integrated with advanced inertial guidance system in order to accurately maneuver its trajectory and reach its target.

The test missile was chosen randomly from the production stock. The launch activities were carried out by the specially formed strategic force command (SFC). It was closely monitored by scientists of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The trajectory of the test missile was tracked by DRDO radars, electro-optical tracking systems and telemetry stations. According to DRDO sources, the downrange teams on board the ship were deployed at the designated impact point in the Bay of Bengal. The team monitored the impact and splashdown of the missile.

The Prithvi II is the first missile of the Indian armed forces to be developed indigenously by DRDO. It was developed under the IGMDP (Integrated Guided Missile Development Program). The missile was first integrated into Indian armed forces in 2003. The nine-metre-tall, single-stage liquid-fueled Prithvi – II is now a very important part of Indian army.

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