Context:
Agni-prime the new generation ballistic missile flight tested successfully from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island.
- Conducted by Strategic Forces Command (SFC) + DRDO
SFC is responsible for the management and administration of the country’s tactical and strategic nuclear weapons stockpile.
Agni Prime:
- 2-stage canisterised solid propellant ballistic missile
- Maximum range – 1,000 to 2,000 km.
- A nuclear-capable advanced variant of the Agni class of missiles.
- Lighter than all the earlier Agni series of missiles
- Guided by inertial navigation systems (INS) based on advanced ring-laser gyroscopes.
- 1st of the new generation of missiles after the end of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP).
- Significance –
- As the warhead is preloaded, it offers the ability to launch with minimal preparation time.
- It can be stored for many years together, with minimum inspection at periodic intervals.
- It has very high accuracy, which is useful for precise targeting.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.
2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
Ballistic missiles are powered by rocket engines throughout their entire trajectory. The engine operates for the first few minutes of flight, and then the missile follows a trajectory guided by gravity. On the other hand, cruise missiles are jet-propelled and they maintain powered flight for the entirety of their journey, not just the initial phase.
BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile developed by India and Russia. It uses a two-stage propulsion system, with solid propellant in the first stage and liquid ramjet in the second stage.
