Stage set for K 4 SLBM Test

Stage set for K 4 SLBM Test

    India is all set to test fire its longest range undersea missile, code named K-4, which is capable of delivering nuclear warhead at 3,500 km away. The test is planned to be conducted from a submerged platform in the Bay of Bengal between March 7 and 8. Defence sources on Thursday said preparation was on in full swing for the scheduled test.

While the tracking systems have already been shifted from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) and two Naval ships taken to the area of mission, another one is likely to be moved to the point of impact to record the terminal events and splashdown.

This test would be conducted from a submerged pontoon, replica of a submarine, positioned nearly 30 feet deep in the sea. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which has developed the missile, had kept the project secret till its first test in March, 2014.

While the missile’s first test was for a range of 3,000 km, this time the scientists are reportedly trying for its full operational range of 3,500 km. The missile, world’s best in this class, will have to undergo two more developmental trials before being fired from the indigenously developed submarine INS Arihant next year.

A defence scientist said this manoeuvrable missile having an innovative system of interlacing in three dimensions can also cruise at hypersonic speed. This exceptional feature of the weapon system makes it difficult to be tracked easily and destroyed by any anti-ballistic missile defence systems. The missile has a high accuracy of near-zero circular error probable.

The intermediate range submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM) is about 12 metres tall with a diameter of 1.3 metres. It weighs around 17 tonnes and can carry a warhead weighing upto 2,000 kg. The missile is powered by solid rocket propellant.

India has so far planned three missiles in the K-series. While the 700-km range K-15, renamed as B-05 (launched 10 times) and 3,500-km range K-4 have been developed, the K-5 will have a striking capability of over 5,000 km. All the K-series missiles are faster, lighter and stealthier.

-New Indian Express

K 4 SLBM

K 4 SLBM

Graphical representation of K 4 SLBM

screenshot from K 4 launch Video

Since years the Defense Ministry secretly carried out successful tests and improvements in a missile that can be launched from under water platform the Indian future Nuclear missile carriers Like Arihant SSBN and upcoming sister ships of Aridman SSBN. where arihant already finalizing it's Sea trials and Harbor acceptance Trails. soon  the Navy will induct in it's force. even no one knows whether they added or not. Arihant also a Secret project where DRDO didn't said any characteristics about INS Arihanth.

The K 4's range still not declassified but sources indicates it's range may be up to 6000 km. DRDO secretly carried out several test firing from underwater platoons. where all those Tests gives 100% results. even some suggests they test the missile from on-board INS Arihant too. but DRDO declined to comment such most classified Projects. the K 4 is a two stage Ballistic missile. during the last year march test it traveled more than 3000km  reported by some front line media.

The DRDO already have a small range Submarine launched   Ballistic missile called BO 5 whose range capped at 700 km. Housing a Ballistic missile in a submarine is a crucial tech due to  the height of the submarine it's hard to house such big sized Long Range missile. But DRDO proved it's intelligence by placing it and Test firing it successfully. as of now the Americans Russian french English and the Chinese only have such Long Range Operational SLBM's. but it's first DRDO bring India's Name into it's list.

as of now no other information about the K 4 revealed. those info gathered from media sources and a DRDO released video confirming K 4 launching

Artistic impression of INS Arihant Launching K 4 ©Saurav Chordia

another Art of Arihant with BO 5 and K 4

Leaked picture of INS Arihant SSBN