Ahead of Agni-V’s canister launch, India conducts missile ejection test

Agni-V is expected to launched
from a canister later this year.

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: Scientists carried out a canister-based launch of a 50-tonne dummy missile in a simulated environment at an undisclosed facility near Hyderabad on Saturday. Sources confirmed to Express that the exercise, termed as MET-2 (Missile Ejection Test), was the second in the series conducted in the last six months.

The successful result of MET-2 has given the confidence to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) scientists to go ahead with the critical canister launch of India’s big ticket 5,000 km-plus range nuclear-capable Inter Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Agni-V later this year. The Agni-V has been successfully test-fired twice in the last two years from a conventional launcher. V G Sekaran, Director General (Missiles and Strategic Systems), DRDO, too confirmed the launch, but refused to give any details.

A senior scientist, part of the launch team, said that during Saturday’s mission all interfacing elements of the missile were tested. “The weight and other features (minus the warhead and propulsion system) matched that of an Agni-V and the results are really satisfactory. High-speed cameras and onboard telemetry systems captured the sequence that lead to the ejection of the missile from the canister. The dummy missile went to a height of 30 meter and fell apart 15 meter away from the launch point. With this launch, we have proved the maturity in offering a canister-based launch system for a missile weighing 50 tonnes,” the scientist, requesting anonymity, said.

Canisterised missiles are normally preferred by the users as they can be transported at ease and also are simple to handle. “The gas generator inside the canister ejects the missile up to about a height of 30 meter and then the motor can be ignited to fire the missile. Hence, we need not add a jet deflector on the launcher. The strength of the surface of the launch pad is not a critical factor either,” he said. In addition to giving the user more flexibility, a canister-based missile offers the option to launch it at a very short notice and with less manpower.

DRDO kept the launch activities under complete wraps with the officials refusing to divulge the details of the facility as well. “The launch site is near Hyderabad and it was commissioned a year back. It is now being developed as an exclusive facility for such trials. We are planning to conduct some more missile related tests from this facility in the months ahead,” the official said.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Agni-V warms up for canister launch; tech for next version maturing: Sekaran

File photo of Agni-V during its maiden launch in April 2012. 

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: India’s long-range ballistic missile Agni-V is warming for a canister development trial launch in the next one month. The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) newly-appointed Chief Controller R&D (Missiles & Strategic Systems) Dr V G Sekaran confirmed to Express on Tuesday that all preparations for the second trial of the 5,000-km-puls missile are in place. 

“We are ready, but need to get some clearances as these are all linked to the policies of government. The early induction of Agni-V tops my list of priorities. The Agni-V user deliverables should happen next year,” Sekaran said. The missile had its maiden launch in April 2012.
He said the Agni-4 (4,000 km strike range) will cross the last mile with another launch before it enters the production mode. “Our emphasis will be to equip the user at the earliest and iron out all issues at lightning speed. On the tactical side, we have the Akash missile systems, LR-SAM (Long Range-Surface to Air Missile) and Nag coming up in a big way. Simultaneously, the futuristic systems will all get converted into projects,” the top missile scientist said.
When quizzed whether these futuristic systems will get embedded on to a possible Agni-VI, Sekaran refused to give details and said: “We are studying various missile technologies such as MIRV (Multiple independently-targeted re-entry vehicles) and MaRV (Manoeuvring re-entry vehicles (MaRV). As and when the nation wants us to deliver, we will be ready with these technologies. It will be not right to speak on a missile programme without any sanction. But, we are working on enhanced systems for future missiles.”
Giving an update on various ongoing missile projects, Sekaran said that the Astra has completely undergone a design change following issues it had in the past. “We have had good flights, post new-design and also conducted some captive trials. It is in a good shape now and it should gear up for firing from an aircraft soon. The project is definitely out of woods,” he said.
The Nag missile, which had issues with its Infra Red (IR) seeker, too is gearing up for crucial user trials, while the missile’s carrier (NAMICA) will take some more time before cleared for trials. To a query on the development of an Anti-Radiation Missile (ARM), Sekaran said that the basic configuration was already in place. “The ARM project is on as planned and it will complete its different stages of development as per the script,” he said.
When asked about the quality concerns of missile production at Hyderabad-based Bharat Dynamics Ltd, he hoped that new systems put in place should address them. “There were concerns and they are very much under control now. New quality system checks have come in and we are sure of better results,” Sekaran added.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

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Russia's 'secret' missile test fires-up Indian scientists

By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Serivce

Bangalore: Missile minds in India are an excited lot after monitoring the developments of Russia's 'secret' test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on May 23. While information on the test and its results are in short supply, sources with India's Missile Complex in Hyderabad seems to have made merry of what ever tit-bit features that have trickled in from Russia's Plesetsk range. Topping the eye-catching item numbers are: the missile's lesser radar cross section (RCS) features, multiple warhead capabilities and the use of a new fuel, that possibly makes the propulsion phase faster. The excitement of Indian scientists can be justified from the fact that many of the new features tested on the Russian missile are the the ones being planned for future versions of Agni series.

Russian news agencies have reported over the week that the testing of the yet-to-be-named weapon is Russia's answer to NATO's missile defence shield (European). The timing of the test with many first-time-embedded features came only days after NATO declared that their missile defence shield attained operational status. “We too have a very active Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) programme running, including a counter measure for BMD. It is one of our key activities and we are seeing reports from Russia with interest,” Avinash Chander, Chief Controller (Missiles and Strategic Systems), Defence Reserach and Development Organisation (DRDO), told Express.

He said some of the features that is reported to have tested are areas DRDO have already set its sight on. “The idea is to reduce the time during the cruise phase. How to reduce RCS and IR (infrared) signatures? What are the active counter measures in terms of the capabilities to mauouvere? These are all common interest areas for missile scientists world over,” Avinash said. To a specific question on the new features of Agni-V future versions, he said: “We are now preparing the canister-launch-system for Agni-V.”

The Russian missile hit the designated target after cruising 6,000 km, carrying dummy warheads. On the new fuel the missile reportedly used, sources in the Missile Complex said: “This could provide higher acceleration and enable high thrust-weight ratio. In Agni-V, we used a solid booster with HTPB (Hydroxyl-Terminated Polybutadiene) propellant during the rocket's active stage of trajectory.”
On the Russian missile's capability to launch separate warheads with independent flightpath – thereby ducking incoming threats, sources said that India too would have similar features in days ahead. “Agni-VI is a definite possibility, though we haven't designed the vehicle yet. With many developed nations moving towards mastering new maneuvering skills for their missiles, we are confident of meeting our targets too. The idea of multiple independently-targeted re-entry vehicles (MIRV) and manoeuvring re-entry vehicles (MaRV) are on our active radar,” sources said.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

A glimpse of Team Agni: More snapshots from Wheeler Island

Made in India: Anti-satellite (A-SAT), all-composite, intelligent missiles next target: Avinash Chander

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: Thursday's 5,000-km-plus sky part of Agni-5 missile might have put India among a select-group of countries having ICBM-capabilities. But, the icing on the cake is the confidence shown by DRDO's tech-gurus in developing systems which were denied to India. With Agni-5 turning a blockbuster, DRDO has set its eye now on bigger and bolder missions.

During a telephonic interview with Express from Wheeler Island, Avinash Chander, DRDO's Chief Controller (Missiles and Strategic Systems) and Agni-5 Project Director was as cool as a cucumber, despite the smashing hit. “Our next aim is to put satellites to orbit at very short notice using missiles. We can launch low-cost micro-satellites into the orbit with a payload of 60 kg. It can be used for intelligence-gathering purpose and  launched within few hours of notice,” Avinash said.

According to him, the next big challenge for DRDO is to master the MIRV (Multiple independently-targeted re-entry vehicles) and MaRV (Manoeuvring re-entry vehicles (MaRV) technologies. “Our next aim is maneuvering warheads for long-range missiles. We want to develop intelligent missiles with highly-accurate warheads for future. Missiles that could counter an incoming missile, by predicting its trajectory is the key,” Avinash said. He said that DRDO is hovering around the idea of developing missiles with anti-satellite capabilities too.

He said the scientists are already on a mission mode to develop an all-composite missile for the future. “A full composite missile with a high-degree of precision. We are moving faster and now we have the technologies to boot. We will have missiles with less radar cross sections soon. The user is part of our thought-process right from the word go. The user has become an integral part and hence the ownership has gone up many folds with all our new projects,” Avinash said.

Among the new technologies used onboard Agni-5 are Ring Laser Gyro-based Inertial Navigation System (RINS), Micro Inertial Navigation System (MINS), high speed onboard computer based on power-PC design, light-weight composite motors and 100 per cent home-grown software. “The INS worked in dual redundancy configuration. Agni-V uses a three-stage propulsion system and it has onboard less cabling, multi-sensors among others. Around 80 per cent of Agni-5 is made in India, making it a truly value-for-money-weapon,” Avinash said.

Copyright@The New Indian Express 

AGNI-V A SMASHING HIT ON TARMAK007 TOO!
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Tracking Agni-V was like watching a 20:20 thriller: Scientists | Missile Complex in Hyderabad erupts in celebrations

By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service

Bangalore: Scientists in Hyderabad's Missile Complex tracked every moment of Agni-5's 20-minutes flight with bated breath on Thursday. Scientists who couldn't make it to the Wheeler Island, watched the missile's historic test-flight with prayers. “We were naturally tense as each one of us knew what systems were onboard the missile. It was like watching a 20:20 match. We didn't get up from our seats,” a scientist with ASL said.

Sources tell Express that up to the last command (release of the payload) of Agni-5 was monitored through various internal networks of DRDO. “The radars positioned at various parts of India (part of the Air Defence project) too helped us track the missile. We couldn't have asked for more seeing Agni-5 doing exactly what we wanted,” sources said.

Hyderabad houses all the major labs of DRDO involved directly with India's missile programmes with ASL, RCI and DRDL leading the pack. “It was a great sign to see that the missile met all mission parameters. We are waiting for our team members to return and the celebrations will continue for a long time for sure,” a navigational expert with RCI said. Sources said that inside the Missile Complex posters congratulating the Agni team have up at many places.

At the Hyderabad airport, the Agni team members were taken by surprise when hundreds gathered to welcome them soon after they landed from Bhubaneswar at 8.50 pm. “This was something that we haven't experienced before. We were lifted like heroes and offered garlands, bouquets and sweets,” a senior DRDL official said.

Sources said that DRDO brought all the non-officer cadre staff from Bhubaneswar to Hyderabad in two AN-32 aircraft. “This was a special gesture as we wanted all the DRDO team members to be back in Hyderabad on the same day to be with their families and celebrate,” sources said.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Agni-V success will boost DRDO's brand identity: Saraswat

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: V K Saraswat is a man who minces no words. He means business, talks sense and calls a spade, a spade. Moments after Agni-5 hit the designated target on Thursday morning, the energetic DRDO chief rang up his mentor and former President A P J Abdul Kalam.
“It was my first call. It was important for me to get my guru's blessings. Kalam showed us the path and we followed it. I am happy, satisfied and excited. Excited seeing the realisation of some of the critical technologies and satisfied seeing one of my long-cherished dream come true,” Saraswat told Express.
Saying that DRDO was at the receiving end over the years from many quarters, Saraswat felt that a majority of criticisms were biased. “No other organization in the world makes so many different kinds of missiles as we (DRDO) do. Nowhere in the world one single agency handles so many programmes, be it the Russians or Americans. DRDO developed so many missiles and still we receive flak from many. What ever be the criticisms, they were all uncalled for, biased and one-sided,” Saraswat felt.
He said DRDO developed Rs 1,48,000 crore worth of products and delivered all of them to armed forces in the last five years. “Are we a nation which can't take pride in our own achievements? Every time when we were denied a technology, we took the hit and developed it, come what may. Creating technology is different from taking about it. It takes time, but it saves millions and millions for the nation. To me, it doesn't deserve so much criticism,” Saraswat said.
When asked how he guarded his troops from, as what he calls as baseless attacks, the DRDO chief said: “Our products will speak. I have a great team who are passionate and focused. I have given the freedom to my team to take decisions and Agni-V is a class act done by them. This missile will boost our brand identity,” Saraswat said.
He expressed confidence that within two more launches, Agni-V would be ready for induction. “I expect it within two years. We have listed a very clear blueprint for this missile and I hope to have Agni-V with the user within the next couple of trials,” Saraswat said.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Agni Sakshi: 50-tonne home-grown missile launcher, the real unsung hero

The Agni-V missile being readied for the maiden test on the home-grown launcher built by R&D Engineers Pune and VRDE Ahmednagar.

By Anantha Krishnan M 

Express News Service

Bangalore: It's the sole piece of steel that held Agni-V by its soul and heart. A true Agni Sakshi in many ways considering its close proximity to the missile during the take-off spit-fire seconds. The missile launcher used for Thursday's maiden test-firing of Agni-V is probably the less-debated piece of equipment which probably went down as an unsung hero. This home-grown launcher is co-developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) labs – R&D Engineers, Pune and Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE), Ahmednagar. It is made of high-strength steel and weighs 50-tonnes.
DRDO chief V K Saraswat told Express that the launcher used for Agni-V was a modified version of Agni-3 missile with many 'unique' capabilities. “It's a highly mobile platform that can be used for launching different types of missiles. It can be used to launch canister missiles and comes in road and rail mobile models. Its extremely high mobility makes the execution time (erection or installation) lesser,” Saraswat said.
During a conflict scenario, the launcher comes handy as it requires very less reaction time. “We have been doing launchers for all missiles. By the time Agni-5 gets inducted into the Service, we will be ready with a further more modified launcher exclusively for the missile. Since the Agni class missiles are very heavy, the initial alignment of launcher is a very critical during every mission. The Agni-5 uses inertial navigation systems (INS) and the launcher plays a critical role at the beginning stages,” says Guruprasad Siddalingappa, director, R&D Engineers, Pune.
He said the launcher provides the initial stability which is paramount for any missile launches. “Developing launchers is a specialized area and we had close to 50 scientists working on the Agni-5 launcher,” Guruprasad said.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Agni-V launch photos from Wheeler Island

Photos: Missile Complex/ DRDO

Agni-V launch video-2 from DRDO

Agni-V launch video-1 from DRDO

Breaking on Tarmak007: We have done it: Saraswat; Technologies proven: Avinash; Very proud: Antony

"We have done it. Everything as we planned. Super hit," DRDO chief V K Saraswat tells Tarmak007 moments after the Agni-V hit the target. "Very proud of my team. Thank you India for the support," Saraswat told Tarmak007, amid sounds of screaming and huge cheer.

Sources say that the missile hit the target  area (designated area) around 8.26 am. These are early inputs.
"The missile has met all the mission objectives. All stages exactly performed the way we wanted. The technologies have been proven. Mission objectives on the dot," Avinash Chander, DRDO CC (R&D), told Tarmak007.

Update -- 9.30 am: Antony pats DRDO

Defence Minister A K Antony spoke to DRDO Chief VK Saraswat and Project Director Avinash Chander and congratulated them for the immaculate success of Agni-V. Antony described today’s development as a major milestone in the country’s missile programme and said the nation is indeed proud of its defence scientists. Antony also recalled the untiring contributions of former DRDO scientists. (MoD Spokesperson Sitanshu Kar on FB.)

ALERT: Agni-V launch at 8:15 am

Bangalore: Defence scientists are all geared up for the launch of Agni-V missile at 8:15 am. As this piece goes live, the countdown has already begun. Stay tuned for the latest.

#2 With love, from Wheeler Island: Agni-V for you!

#1 With love, from Wheeler Island: Agni-V for you!

Agni-V test-firing postponed

The much-awaited test-firing of Agni-V missile has been postponed due to bad weather. The launch is now being planned for Thursday around 7.45 am -- weather permitting. "Heavy thunder showers in the region and we didn't want to take any risk," sources said.

(Limited updates on the blog till May 10)

India to test-fire Agni-V likely tonite

India is all set to test-fire its longest and near-ICBM class N-capable missile Agni-5 from Wheeler Island today. According to sources, the schedule for the launch is likely after 7 pm in the night. "We are hoping for a launch between 7-8 pm or after that. Everything is in place," sources said. "We have just returned after a full night of integration work," sources told Tarmak007 today morning.  
The missile carrying a dummy payload is expected to hit the designated 'target area' within 20 minutes after launch. 

 (Search 'Agni-V' on blog to read previous posts)

(Limited updates on blog till May 10)

Preparations for Agni-V launch hit last lap | Missile payload on way to Wheeler Island

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service 

Bangalore: India's longest-ever near-Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Agni-V is scheduled to be test-fired from the Wheeler Island (Orissa) in the second week of April. The final stages and payload of the missile are set to move out of the Missile Complex in Hyderabad any time now. Sources tell Express that some major parts, including the motors of the missile, have already reached the launch site.

“The final checks and integration of all stages will be carried out in Wheeler Island. The check-out and launch pad tests will be completed in the next 15-20 days. The new launcher for the missile is ready. Over 200 scientists and close to 300 technicians are working round-the-clock at the Missile Complex and other work centers,” sources said. The missile is parented by Defence Research Development Organisation's (DRDO) Hyderabad-based unit, Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL).
With a range of 5,000-plus-km, the missile when launched, is expected to travel to its target in international waters close to Australia. “The ships meant for tracking, which are normally positioned near the target, are expected to begin their long journey in the first week of April. We expect the sailing time to be between 10-12 days,” sources said.
Agni-V is the first Indian missile with four stages, including three propulsion and one final payload stage (re-entry vehicle). The others in the Agni series (A-2, A-3 & A-4) had only three stages making Agni-V an extremely complex vehicle. “The missile is expected to hit the target within 20 minutes as things stand now. The tentative date for the launch is fixed for April 16 and this is again not final,” sources said.
As reported in these columns earlier, Agni-V can be launched from anywhere in India in any direction at any time.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

CLUB-CLASS: India now eyes ICBM Agni-6, even as A-5 readies to spit fire | Work on MIRV, MarV possibilities begin

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: India’s big bang missile Agni-5 is moving towards the strike-zone carrying new technologies as a stepping stone for futuristic killer-missions. But, silently yet another story is being scripted for Agni-6, India’s club-class Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). Range: In excess of 6,000 km!

Notwithstanding what happens with the A-5 launch, sources tell that the missile scientists are already looking at newer possibilities in making future strike meaningful and menacing. “There are many more areas in long range missiles where future work can happen. Multiple independently-targeted re-entry vehicles (MIRV), manoeuvring re-entry vehicles (MaRV) considerably lighter weights using all composite structure with high energy propellant, the intelligent counter measures against BMD (ballistic missile defences), reducing radar cross-sections are some of them,” sources said.

But, military experts point out that the Defence Reserach and Development Organisation (DRDO) will have to travel some distance before achieving the MIRV\MaRV capabilities. “Good to hear we are on track but it is a very complex

technology. It’s worth the wait and see when A-5 will be finally inducted into the Services, with what features and in what numbers. Range and accuracy are first two primary factors one should watch for,” a warhead specialist with Indian Army told Express.

Avinash Chander, Chief Controller, R&D (Missiles and Strategic Systems), DRDO, told Express over the phone from New Delhi that his team has definitely taken stock of the road ahead. “Future systems may carry different types of payloads such as high energy weapons.  All these technology developments are within the horizon. Further systems whenever planned, will have some of these (read as MIRV\MarV) features,” Avinash said. However, he refused to comment on Agni-6.

To a query on the factors that have influenced during A-5 development, Avinash, the brain behind the missile, said that India needs a platform which has the range to cover its emerging area of influence. “It also needs high mobility, safety and accuracy. A-5 provides a state-of-the-art weapon, an amalgam of multiple front-end technologies and capabilities. Along with A-4, it represents the new generation of Agni series. It also provides a strategic depth enabling its positioning deep within our country where it has much higher survivability,” he said adding: “It also enables launch from anywhere with very short reaction time which makes it extremely difficult to deny its usage by any hostile intervention by the enemy.”

When asked about the possible launch date of A-5, Avinash said: “We are on course. These are all highly technology-intense missions. The launch campaign will officially begin in the middle of the month. These are first-time developments and there will be some uncertainties.”

V G Sekaran, Director, Advanced System Laboratories (ASL), says that the confidence of going for a project like A-5 came from DRDO’s matured work-cluture. “Today we are not shying away from taking risks and our enthusiasm comes with age, experience, fearlessness and the freedom to explore. Agni-5 will be a new chapter as we enter a different class of missile field,” Sekaran said.

|Copyright@The New Indian Express|

Big Daddy warms up for target Thandavam | Agni-V enters last lap | Final tests on propulsion stages over | Flight system integration underway

A clear picture on India's longest missile Agni-V will emerge in the coming days with scientists shifting gears to put the beast closer to the first-strike zone. Photo: Tarmak007

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Kuttemperoor (Kerala): Agni-V, the Big Daddy of Indian missiles is warming up for a possible ‘first strike,’ in February or March. Sources associated with Independent India’s longest kill-toy project told Express that all propulsion stages of the 5,000-plus-range, nuke-capable and near-Inter-continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) have been tested. As this piece is fired to the print, the flight systems are being integrated with final tests on getting underway.

The launch is scheduled from the Wheeler Island, off Orissa Coast, and sources in the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) confirm that the campaign has entered the near-mission mode phase. Notwithstanding the Red Dragon’s uneasiness over India’s killer-instinct moves with A-V’s pre-test propaganda, missile scientists are inspired by New Delhi’s desire to see the Big Daddy’s first target-Thandavam. (Note: The word Thandavam comes from Shiva Thandavam, a dance form linked to Hindu God Lord Shiva. It is widely believed that Thandavam represents both destruction & creation of the Universe and reveals the cycles of death and birth. The usage of target-Thandavam is to depict the possible destruction depths of the missile and should be seen as an innovative coinage of a phrase for convenient writing and not making light of the might of Lord Shiva as believed by His followers. |akm|)

The missile can be launched from anywhere in Indian in any direction at any time. It does not require any pre-planning and computes its own path once the launch point and target are specified. “The course of the missile changes depending upon in-flight estimation of system performance. It has several very strong built-in safety features. The US, Russia and China have missiles of ranges higher than A-V. However, in the Indian threat scenario, it meets all the requirements. There are no exact equivalents,” claim sources. 
With composite propulsion motors for stages two and three, the A-V boasts of many new first-time technologies. The Stage-3 is a conical motor -- first of its kind in the country. The electronics systems are highly integrated with digital connectivity to minimise cabling. “What used to be tens of kilometres of cabling has been reduced considerably. It uses highly accurate navigation system integrated in a multi-sensor environment, a completely closed missile fired from a canister are some other features,” say sources. 
It will be a ready-to-use-weapon. The heating during re-entry is much more severe in this system with temperatures going beyond 4000 degrees Celsius. “It also carries multiple instrumentation systems and is designed to carry single payload. Like all other Agni-series missiles, this is also nuclear capable. It is a road mobile system with range of more than 5000 km,” sources said. 
Most of the technologies onboard A-V (ring-laser gyro-based inertial navigation system [RINS], micro-navigation system [MINGS], redundancy management, composite motor and closed inter-stage) have been tested in Agni-IV. “The composite motors are 2-m diameter carrying considerably higher propellant. The flight duration of this system is also longer. The thermal environment during re-entry is considerably more severe which will be tested during the first flight,” sources said. 
The core strength of A-V comes from DRDO’s key installations in Hyderabad including Advanced System laboratory, Research Centre Imarat and Defence Research Development Laboratory. Many industries and academic institutions are involved with A-V project. The core team consists of about 100 scientists. In addition, over 1000 engineers, technicians and scientists have been roped in from 15 DRDO labs for the design of various sub-systems. 

[Copyright@The New Indian Express]