The stage is set for the maiden test flight of Agni V, India's long range missile, with capability to reach 5,000 km.

Powered by the flying success of Agni-IV (over 3,500 km range) in 2011, Indian missile scientists will face their toughest test, as the home-grown missile, will have to reach inter-continental distances, soar great heights and survive very high temperatures, as it re-enters the earth's atmosphere and seeks to destroy its target.

Agni V, will cover approximately 1/8th of the Earth's circumference (which is 40,000 km). It will be a three-stage, all solid fuel powered, 17-metre tall, with capability to carry nuclear payload, said Mr Avinash Chander, Chief Controller (Missiles & Strategic Systems), DRDO.

The Wheeler island, off the coast of Orissa, is bustling with preparations, that have reached the final stages.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is targeting to launch its most ambitious, strategic, nuclear deterrent missile during the window of April 18-20.

“Elaborate preparations have been completed. The technological capability that we will achieve will be a game changer for Indian defence. The strategic options it provides are immense. The technological challenges we are trying to overcome are many. Only the US, Russia, France and China have the capability,” Mr Chander told Business Line , before going to the Wheeler Island for the big test.

The DRDO has proven most of the technological capability in Agni-IV. It has to be extended to higher temperatures in Agni-V. For example, the re-entry temperature for Agni-IV was from a high of 3,000 degree C to 50 degree C.

In the case of Agni-V it will be 5,000 degree C to a climb down of 50 degrees. This is very, very challenging in many ways, he said.

Unlike re-entry space vehicles, missiles re-enter at a much steeper angle of descent and in very few seconds. They face severe thermal effect. Both technology and material is needed to overcome this hurdle. Agni-V has its two upper stages completely built with composites (corrosion free and can withstand high temperatures).

Agni-V will see the test of several technologies and composites. It will see for the first time flying a large sized, composite rocket motor. It will have a very compact payload. New technologies to recover data will be deployed. An array of tracking stations, two ships in the high seas has been deployed, defence scientists explained.

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