Agnit II AT

Arun S Viswakarma©

Agni-IIAT .
Length (m) 20
Max Diameter (m) 1.2
Launch Weight - kg (Including Payload) 2 7,000
Propellant Solid (HTPB/AP/AI)
Number of Stages 2.5
Payload - kg 300 - 1,000
Range (Payload) 4,000 km (1,500 kg)
CEP Accuracy 20 meters (estimated)

INTRODUCTION: AGNI-IIAT

The Agni-II was a quick and proven design, albeit of 1980s vintage. The Agni-IIAT is the
result of a CIP (Continuous Improvement Program) with Agni-II. Different reports indicate
India developing a more advanced technology (AT) version of Agni-II[82] putting into use,
state-of-the-art technologies to significantly improve the Agni-II performance[83] as well as to
adapt it to the newer and lighter nuclear payload, that was proven by the Pokharan-II series
of nuclear tests[84]. The new propulsion system could greatly increase the missile's range to
4000 km (1500 kg payload) and potentially to ICBM range for lighter payload.

The Agni-IIAT is likely to incorporate the following changes:

 A larger diameter booster stage made of stronger 250-Marging steel, improving fuel
loading and fuel mass-fraction (~0.88).
 Lightweight carbon composite motor casing[85, 86] for the second stage, instead of steel
casing, improving its mass-fraction (~0.92).
 Lighter, tougher and higher β (beta) RV, with all carbon composite re-entry heat-
shield, multi directional carbon re-entry nose tip and control surfaces[87]. Very likely a
unary version of the Agni-III's RV Mk-4.

We refer to this postulated configuration as Agni-IIAT that would be validated when it is

tested sometime in the future[88]. However this paper gives an insight to potency of such
technological improvement.

Comparative Line drawing of Agni-II and Agni-IIAT

[Image © Arun Vishwakarma]

New improved 1.2m diameter rocket case of maraging steel being handed over to
M. Natarajan

[Source: The HINDU, 10-Nov-06]

Composite casing of Agni-II's second stage

[Image : Advanced Systems Laboratory, Hyderabad]

Description

After Agni-II development DRDO has reported major success in developing superior sub-
systems ranging from newer higher performance RV, lighter casing of second stage and
booster case made of stronger Maraging steel. The new missile's form factor is almost same
as the Agni-II, but qualitative improvements in propulsion and warhead significantly
improves its range and effectiveness.

Accuracy of this longer range missile is augmented by space based precision navigation
system. India and Russia are working together on the development and launch of a new
generation of Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONESS) that will be operational by
2007[89]. India is also building its own IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System)[90]
covering 35% of earth surface, centered around India for assured access to space based
precision navigation.

Manoeuvring Re-Entry Vehicle:

New lighter and tougher RV, with all carbon composite re-entry heat shield with multi
directional carbon re-entry nose tip and control surfaces, the new lightweight composites
can withstand temperatures of up to 6,000º centigrade, thus capable of greater re-entry
velocity[91, 92]. The new RV smaller in diameter & length but higher β (beta) compared to the
RV of Agni-I/II, similar to RV-MK4 of Agni-III & Agni-III++.

Propulsion

First Stage: A new 1.2 meter diameter[92.A] booster case made of 250-Maraging steel with
improved chamber pressure and fuel mass-fraction (estimated 0.88). Approximately 12
meter long and 20 tonne mass

Second Stage: Lightweight filament wound carbon composite motor casing[93, 94] for Stage-II
with improved fuel mass-fraction (estimated between 0.90 - 0.92[95]).

Agni-IIAT Configuration

Agni-IIAT Stage 1_____ Agni-IIAT Stage 2 _____ PBV/HAM _____ RV

Gross Mass ____ 20,000 kg ____ 6,000 kg ____ 220 kg ____ 50 kg
Fuel Mass ____ 17,600 kg ____ 5,400 kg ____ 40 - 180 kg
Empty Mass ____ 2,400 kg ____ 600 kg ____ 20 - 50 kg
Fuel-Mass-Ratio[96]____ 0.88 ____ 0.90 ____ 0.82

Thrust @ Vacuum ____ 78,600 Kgf ____ 42,580 Kgf

Thrust @ Sea Level____ 70,400 Kgf --
(Burn Time)____ (58 seconds) ____ (35 seconds)

Length ____ 12 meters ____ 4.8 meters ____ 2.6 meters

Diameter ____ 1.2 meter ____ 1.2 meter ____ 1.0 meters
.
Case Material 250-Maraging Steel ____ Filament wound composite material ____ All
Carbon Composite