AGNI II PRIME MISSION FAILS

source aviation week-

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10 , 2010 Agni-II Prime mission fails The maiden mission of Agni-II Prime failed, just moments after the missile lifted-off from its launchpad at Interim Test Range-4 in Wheeler Island on December 10. The missile which got on to the autolaunch mode at 9 :57 am (T -3) had a structural oscillation immediately after the lift-off, sources said. This was an experimental launch of the advanced version of Agni-II missile and DRDO says that the platform experienced a trajectory deviation immediately after the lift-off. Many new technologies like rocket motor, RLG-based navigation system, road mobile launcher were being tested during this mission. "The propulsion system worked perfectly, but we observed some stability issues to the missile," an official said. Notwithstanding this setback, the DRDO scientists are determined to go ahead with other launches scheduled for this month.