India is all set to test fire its longest range
secret undersea missile, code named K-4, which is capable of delivering
nuclear warhead at 3,500 km away. The test is planned to be conducted
from a submerged platform in the Bay of Bengal between March 7 and 8.
Defence sources on Thursday said preparation was on in full swing for
the scheduled test., reports Defence News.
While the tracking systems have already been
shifted from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) and two Naval ships taken
to the area of mission, another one is likely to be moved to the point
of impact to record the terminal events and splashdown.
This test would be conducted from a submerged
pontoon, replica of a submarine, positioned nearly 30 feet deep in the
sea. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which has
developed the missile, had kept the project secret till its first test
in March, 2014.
While the missile’s first test was for a range of 3,000 km, this time the scientists are reportedly trying for its full operational range of 3,500 km. The missile, world’s best in this class, will have to undergo two more developmental trials before being fired from the indigenously developed submarine INS Arihant next year.
While the missile’s first test was for a range of 3,000 km, this time the scientists are reportedly trying for its full operational range of 3,500 km. The missile, world’s best in this class, will have to undergo two more developmental trials before being fired from the indigenously developed submarine INS Arihant next year.
A defence scientist said this manoeuvrable missile
having an innovative system of interlacing in three dimensions can also
cruise at hypersonic speed. This exceptional feature of the weapon
system makes it difficult to be tracked easily and destroyed by any
anti-ballistic missile defence systems. The missile has a high accuracy
of near-zero circular error probable.
The intermediate range submarine launched
ballistic missile (SLBM) is about 12 metres tall with a diameter of 1.3
metres. It weighs around 17 tonnes and can carry a warhead weighing upto
2,000 kg. The missile is powered by solid rocket propellant.
India has so far planned three missiles in the
K-series. While the 700-km range K-15, renamed as B-05 (launched 10
times) and 3,500-km range K-4 have been developed, the K-5 will have a
striking capability of over 5,000 km. All the K-series missiles are
faster, lighter and stealthier.
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