Indian Missile Program

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AGNI Series

Type
Intermediate-range, surface-based, solid- and liquid-propellant, single warhead ballistic missiles.
Development
The development for the intermediate-range ballistic missile, called Agni 1 (Fire), started around 1979 under the direction of the Indian Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) at Hyderabad. Agni 1 uses a first-stage motor similar to the first-stage solid rocket motor from the Indian Satellite Launch Vehicle-3 (SLV-3) based upon an earlier US Scout rocket design. SLV-3 has been used in various satellite launches since 1979. The second stage of Agni 1 uses a shortened Prithvi missile liquid-propellant motor system.
There were conflicting reports in 1995 concerning the Agni programme. One report suggested that the programme had been halted due to technical difficulties. The second report suggested that the Indian government was planning a further five test launches. However, in December 1996, the Indian government announced that the Agni 1 trials programme would be terminated, but in July 1997, the development programme was restarted. It seems likely that the programme was restarted as a result of the development of new solid-propellant ballistic missiles in China.
There are reported to be four Agni versions in production or development; Agni 1 with a range of 2,500 km, Agni 2 with a range 3,000 km, Agni 2 upgrade with a range of 3,500 km, and Agni 3 with a range of 5,000 km. A range of around 4,000 km would be required for a missile to reach Beijing from India. An Agni-2 missile was displayed in January 1999 and the first test launch was made in April 1999. Agni 2 is a two-stage solid-propellant missile. A new first-stage solid motor with a diameter of 1.8 m and carrying 36,000 kg of propellant is being developed, possibly for the Agni 3 missile, which is expected to use the Agni 2 as its second and third stages. An alternative approach would be to use a new third stage for Agni 3, either liquid or solid propellant. An improved optical or radar terminal phase correlation system has been developed to provide greater accuracy. The terminal guidance option could be retrofitted into existing Agni 1 missiles.
There are unconfirmed reports that India is considering the design of an inter-continental range ballistic missile system named Surya, building on the experience of Agni and using the developed Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) as its basis. Details can be found in the Unclassified Projects section.
Description
Agni 1 is a two-stage missile, with a length of 21 m, a first stage body diameter of 1.3 m, a second stage body diameter of 0.9 m and an estimated launch weight of 19,000 kg. The first stage is believed to be a version of the first-stage solid-propellant motor used in the SLV-3, with a length of about 13 m and a stage weight around 14,500 kg. This motor is believed to have a burn time of 50 seconds, and a thrust of 45 tons. The second Agni stage is a version of the Prithvi ballistic missile, using the liquid-propellant motor system developed for Prithvi, with a length of 6 m and a weight of 3,500 kg. It is reported that the first test vehicle used in the Agni 1 trials was smaller, with a total length of 19 m and a launch weight of 14,000 kg, but that the full size missile was used for the second and third test flights. Guidance is inertial, with a twin microprocessor control system, most probably an upgraded version of the system used in Prithvi. The missile is controlled during the boost phase by four moving control fins at the rear, and by secondary injection thrust vector control. It is believed that the warhead section separates to provide a re-entry vehicle on Agni 1 and that the payload is 1,000 kg with a warhead weight of 800 kg. Agni 1 is believed to have a minimum range of 500 km and a maximum range of 2,500 km. The Re-entry Vehicle (RV) is reported to have an attitude control system and aerodynamic manoeuvre fins, presumably to make any defence more difficult. Unconfirmed reports suggest that an optical correlation system was developed for the RV and that the accuracy was around 40 m CEP, although later reports have suggested that the accuracy was around 100 to 200 m CEP.
The Indian government initially stated that there were no plans to fit a nuclear warhead to Agni 1, but following the Indian nuclear tests in May 1998, it is assumed that a 45 kT warhead has been developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. Later unconfirmed reports suggest that an improved 200 kT warhead has been developed, and might be fitted to the Agni 1. It is believed that conventional High Explosive (HE), fuel-air explosive, chemical or HE submunitions warheads might also be developed. A report in 1996 suggested that a submunition warhead containing 500 one kilogram HE submunitions was under development for Agni 1, and possibly for Prithvi SS-150 as well.
Agni 2 has probably completed development following the first two test launches in April 1999 and January 2001. It has two solid-propellant motor stages, with a payload third stage. The missile has a total length of 20.0 m and a total weight of 16,000 kg. The first stage is similar to that used on SLV-3, but has a length of 10.5 m, a body diameter of 1.0 m and a weight of around 10,800 kg. The first stage motor burn time is believed to be 50 seconds. The second stage has a length of 4.8 m, a body diameter of 1.0 m and a weight of 4,200 kg. The second stage motor burn time is around 30 seconds. The missile probably has a minimum range of 500 km, with a maximum range of 3,000 km. The payload is believed to be 1,000 kg with a separating 200 kT nuclear warhead that weighs around 500 kg. The payload section has a length of 3.8 m and a body diameter of 0.8 m, and has four moving delta control fins at the rear to manoeuvre during the terminal phase using what has been described as an INS/GPS guidance module with a radar correlation terminal guidance system. An accuracy of 100 m CEP has been reported. Agni 2 was first launched in April 1999, from a converted rail carriage, using a system similar to that used by the Russian SS-24 ‘Scalpel’ missile, with a carriage roof that slides open to allow the missile to be raised to the vertical for launch by two large hydraulic pistons. The launch process is controlled from a separate railcar. It is believed that the Agni 2 missile can also be launched from a road TEL vehicle, and that this was used for the second test flight in January 2001. The Agni 2 upgrade version has a maximum range of 3,500 km, which may be achieved by reducing the payload weight to 750 kg, or by upgrading the motors.
Agni 3 is reported to have a maximum range of 5,000 km. This missile may have both first and second stages as solid-propellant motors similar to those used on Agni 2, with a liquid- or solid-propellant third stage. Alternatively, it is reported that a new solid propellant first stage motor with a diameter of 1.8 m may be used, with the existing Agni 2 stages forming the second and third stages.
Operational status
Development work on Agni 1 is believed to have started in 1979 and the first successful test launch was made in May 1989, when a trials missile flew about 1,000 km. A second test flight was made in May 1992, which failed, due to a fault with the second stage. A third test flight was made in February 1994, with a range reported to be 1,450 km. In 1995, it was reported that a further five flight tests were planned and that a nuclear warhead design had been prepared. The Indian government had described Agni 1 as a technology demonstrator and not a developed weapon system and, in 1996, terminated the programme although making the point that, if a threat appeared, then the Agni 1 design could still be used. It is reported that some 5 to 10 Agni 1 missiles have been built and are held in operational storage.
The Agni programme was restarted in 1997, and, in July 1998 the Indian government announced plans to test two Agni 2 missiles. The first launch of Agni 2 was made in April 1999 from a rail car launcher located on Wheeler’s Island, near Orissa in the Bay of Bengal. This flight was over a range of 2,100 km, and is reported to have carried a dummy warhead to test the safety and arming unit in real flight conditions. A second test flight was made in January 2001 from Wheeler’s Island, over a range of 2,400 km, and it is believed that this launch was made from a wheeled TEL vehicle. It is believed that low-rate initial production of the Agni 2 version has been started, with an initial order for some 10 to 20 missiles. A small number (less than 5) of Agni 2 missiles are believed to have been operationally available from late 2000, and a production rate of 15 to 20 missiles a year has been suggested. Agni 3 is in full development and a first test flight is expected by 2003.

Specifications
Agni 1
Length 21.0 m
Body diameter 1.3 m (1st stage), 0.9 m (2nd stage)
Launch weight 19,000 kg
Payload Single warhead; 1,000 kg
Warhead 800 kg, nuclear (45 or 200 kT), chemical, HE or submunitions
Guidance Inertial with optical correlation
Propulsion Solid propellant 1st-stage; liquid 2nd-stage
Range 2,500 km
Accuracy 150 m CEP

Agni 2
Length 20.0 m
Body diameter 1.0 m (1st and 2nd stages), 0.8 m payload
Launch weight 16,000 kg
Payload Single warhead, 1,000 kg
Warhead 500 kg, nuclear 200 kT
Guidance Inertial with GPS and radar correlation
Propulsion Two-stage solid propellant
Range 3,000 km (2), 3,500 km (2 upgrade)
Accuracy 100 m CEP

Prithvi 1/2
Prithvi (SS-150/-250/-350)(P-1/P-2/P-3) and Dhanush

Type

Short-range, ground- and ship-launched, liquid-propellant, single warhead ballistic missiles.

Development
Reported to have been developed by the Indian Defence Research and Development Laboratory in Hyderãbãd with design work starting in 1983, the Prithvi (Earth) Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM) was first tested in February 1988. The design work may have been with assistance from other countries, and there are unconfirmed reports of European company participation. There are two versions of the Prithvi missile, an SS-150, designated P-1, with a range of 150 km and an SS-250, designated P-2, with a range of 250 km. The SS-150 missiles are used by the Indian Army, and the SS-250 by the Indian Air Force to attack enemy airfields and by the Indian Army for battlefield support. A third version was reported to be in development in 1994, an SS-350, designated P-3, with a range of 350 km, but it is not known if this development has continued.
Reports suggest that several nuclear warheads could be fitted to the Prithvi missiles, as well as conventional HE warheads. Unconfirmed reports suggest that an improved liquid-propellant motor is being developed, and that a possible solid-propellant motor is being researched for future Prithvi versions. A ship-launched version, believed to be similar to the SS-250 and named Dhanush, was tested from an offshore patrol vessel in April 2000. It is believed that these missiles might be fitted to future destroyers and frigates. A Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) version of the Dhanush is also being developed by the Indian Defence and Research Development Organisation (DRDO), for fitment to the nuclear powered ATV submarines. It is also reported that mobile targets may be attacked with Prithvi missiles, using UAVs with TV and Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) sensors to locate these targets. Unconfirmed reports suggest that some Prithvi missiles might have a radar scene correlation terminal guidance system, using the small rear fins to control the missile when in the lower atmosphere near the target area. In 1998, it was reported that India will upgrade its Prithvi missiles, starting with the SS-150, to include GPS to improve the accuracy.

Description

It is believed that the Prithvi missile is 8.53 m long and has a body diameter of 0.9 m. the body is made from aluminium alloy and the wings from magnesium. There are four clipped-tip delta wings at mid-body and four small aerodynamic control fins at the rear. It is reported that Prithvi has two side-by-side gimbaled liquid-propellant motors, using IRFNA and a mix of xylidene and triethylamine, enabling a variable total impulse to be programmed for different payload and range requirements. The Prithvi liquid motor and guidance system are reported to have been based upon the Russian SA-2 ‘Guideline’ designs, using S2.720 motors. The missiles can be stored for up to five years, with the liquid propellants.
The SS-150 version, designated P-1, has a launch weight of 4,400 kg and an 800 kg payload. This version has a maximum range of 150 km and a minimum range of 40 km. While confirmed reports state that a High Explosive (HE) pre-fragmented blast unitary warhead has been developed for the SS-150 missile, unconfirmed reports suggest that alternative HE penetration, HE submunitions (incendiary and anti-personnel/anti-armour), fuel-air explosive or chemical warheads may be in development. Following the Indian nuclear tests in May 1998, it is believed that a range of small yield nuclear warheads has been developed, with 1 kT, 5 kT or 12 to 20 kT yields. The small yield nuclear warheads are believed to weigh around 250 kg. A strapdown inertial guidance system is used with twin microprocessors to monitor navigation, as well as providing built-in test facilities. Prithvi is believed to have both thrust vector and aerodynamic control and it is reported that the missile climbs to 30 km altitude, then glides to the target area at this altitude, followed by a steep 80º dive onto the selected target. The SS-150 is believed to have an accuracy of 10 m CEP at a range of 70 km, and of 50 m CEP at 150 km, when fired from pre-surveyed sites. Prithvi missiles are carried on a converted Kolos Tatra eight-wheeled Transporter-Erector-Launcher (TEL) vehicle, manufactured by Bharat Earth Movers at Bangalore. A proposed Prithvi SS-150 firing battery would have a command vehicle, four TEL vehicles, four missile reload vehicles, four warhead change vehicles, propellant tankers and four logistics support vehicles. The Prithvi missiles are reported to take 2 hours to set-up and launch, including the time taken to top up the liquid propellants, and to require 18 vehicles to support two missile launches.
The SS-250 Prithvi missile, designated P-2, is similar in size and weight to the SS-150 version, but has traded a smaller warhead for a longer range. The payload is believed to be between 500 and 750 kg. The minimum range is 40 km and the maximum range has been increased to 250 km. The accuracy is believed to be 75 m CEP, when launched from a pre-surveyed site. There are reports that the SS-250 version will be upgraded to carry the full range of warheads developed for the SS-150, with a payload increased to 800 kg. The Dhanush ship-launched version is believed to be similar to the SS-250. It is expected that two Dhanush missiles will be stored in the helicopter hangar in the ships.
The SS-350 version is believed to have a payload weight of 750 kg and a range of 350 km. Reports suggest that a new liquid-propellant system, or a solid-propellant motor will be used and that GPS guidance will provide an accuracy of around 25 m CEP.
Operational status
First test flown in February 1988, there was a total of 13 test flights completed by 1995. The eleventh launch in June 1993 was reported to have been the first test of the initial production batch, with the result that it is assumed the Prithvi SS-150 effectively entered service in 1994, although there have been conflicting reports as to whether or not these missiles are operational. User trials for the SS-150 version were completed in 1994, including a live HE warhead firing in June 1994. User trials were carried out by the 333rd Indian Army Missile Group at Secunderabad, and it is reported that this Group has continued with training programmes to provide an initial operational capability. In 1999 it was reported that a total of 14 development tests and 16 operational evaluation flights had been made. Statements from the Indian government have indicated that the SS-150 missiles remain in storage, but presumably they could become fully operational at short notice. Production started in 1993 and is believed to have continued until 1999, with around 130 missiles built and some 35 TEL vehicles. It is believed that some missiles are stored at Secunderabad, and the remainder at Jullander.
A first reported trial of the SS-250 version was carried out in January 1996, with further tests in 1996, 1997, and June 2000. It is assumed that this version entered service with the Indian Air Force in 1999, and it is believed that around 70 missiles will be built, with some 20 TEL vehicles. The production rate for all Prithvi versions is believed to be around 36 per year.
The third version, SS-350, is reported to have been first tested in November 1993, from a mobile launch vehicle, but this report may have been incorrect. It is not clear if this programme has been discontinued, although it is possible that some design work continues as a later upgrade option, probably entering service around 2010.
The ship-launched Dhanush version was first tested from INS Subhadra, a Sukanya class offshore patrol vessel, in April 2000. This test was reported to have failed after about 30 seconds of flight. The ship was anchored in the Bay of Bengal for the test, which was made from a strengthened helicopter deck using a hydraulically stabilised launch platform.

Specifications

SS-150

Length 8.53 m
Body diameter 0.9 m
Launch weight 4,400 kg
Payload Single warhead; 800 kg
Warhead HE, submunitions, FAE, chemical or nuclear
Guidance Inertial
Propulsion Liquid propellant
Range 150 km
Accuracy 50 m CEP

SS-250/Dhanush
Length 8.53 m
Body diameter 0.9 m
Launch weight 4,400 kg
Payload Single warhead; 500 to 750 kg
Warhead HE, nuclear or submunitions
Guidance Inertial
Propulsion Liquid propellant
Range 250 km
Accuracy 75 m CEP

Regds
Infinity