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Successful test-firing of Prithvi-II Missile

  • Posted By
    10Pointer
  • Categories
    Science & Technology
  • Published
    17th Jun, 2022

Context

India successfully test-fired it’s indigenously developed nuclear capable Prithvi-II missile.

About Prithvi-II

Prithvi-II, first tested in 1996, was inducted into Indian armed forces in 2003. It was one of the first missiles developed under Government of India's IGMDP. 

  • Prithvi II is a single-stage missile that falls under the liquid fuelling category.
  • It is capable of carrying 500-1,000 kilogram of warheads and is powered by liquid propulsion twin engines. 
  • It was developed by DRDO and was first used by the Indian Air Force.
    • The Prithvi Missile is an indigenously developed missile by DRDO (Defence Research & Development Organization) under the flagship of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP).
  • The missile is a proven system and is capable of striking targets with a very high degree of precision. 
  • The state-of-the-art missile uses an advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvering trajectory to hit its target.

Types of missiles

There are different classifications of missiles –

  • Surface-to-surface missiles (ballistic, cruise, anti-ship, anti-tank,etc.)
  • Air-to-surface missiles (ballistic, cruise, anti-ship, anti-tank,etc.)
  • Surface-to-air missiles (anti-ballistic)
  • Air to air missiles and anti-satellite weapons missiles.

About Prithvi I 

  • Prithvi I: Launched in February 1988, Prithvi I is a single-stage, liquid-fuelled missile. 
    • It is a surface-to-surface missile. 
    • It was inducted into the Indian Army in 1994.

Other variants of Prithvi

  • The Prithvi missile project involved developing three variants for use by the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.
    • Prithvi I (SS-150) – Army version, 150 km range with a payload of 1,000 kg.
    • Prithvi II (SS-250) – Air Force version, 350 km range with a payload of 500 kg.
    • Prithvi III (SS-350) – Naval version, 350 km range with a payload of 1,000 kg.

About Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)

  • It was conceived by Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
  • It was started in 1983 and completed in March 2012.
  • Its aim was to enable India to attain self-sufficiency in the field of missile technology. 
  • The 5 missiles developed under this program-
    • Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Nag, Akash.

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