02-12-2010, 12:27 AM
[quote name='ramana' date='11 February 2010 - 11:29 PM' timestamp='1265910672' post='104124']
Based on AIII and AII we can make some informed guesses on the payload. The AII payload at ~1 tonne(RV with HAE etc) is most definitely a fission or boosted fission based. The AIII with its 1.5 tonne (RV with HAE etc) is a boosted fission one based on scaling. The fact that its ment for specific country is interesting. The payload has to be credible to that country. And the interesting thing is AIII was first tested in 2006 or design started ~ 5 to 6 years. So the GOI reconciled to the POKII yields early on while the world was debating the results. Another interesting factor is that A-V is to have same payload as the AIII per the quoted news reports. So no one is betting their hat on capability to design TN upto 200kt hogwash. It also means the target planners have come up with the requirements and not the scientists.
"If you overfeed on hope you will die of starvation."
[/quote]
Press reports suggest that MIRV configuration is for Agni-V.
Rocksim indicates the recent test carried a far heavier payload (then the rated 1.5 tonne), in the range of 2490 Kg, which incidently is similar to earliest press report that stated payload figure of 2,490 Kg, and also 3,490 Kg.
It appears to me the MIRV payload will a mix of proven and bug-fixed TN. The proven warheads consisting of 50 kt FBF and 20 kT FBF weighing 250 kg and 100 kg respectively. In terms of destructive effect two 50 Kt warheads have the same effect as 150 kt warhead. Thus heavier FBF warheads of 200 kt or 150 kt would not be competitive.
The current FBF strategy would however require far larger quantity of weapon grade Plutonium extraction and far bigger count of warheads.
Thus heavier FBF warheads of 200 kt would however be more suitable fro single warhead configurations like Agni-II and Agni-III .
Excerpts from my Agni article that was earlier hosted on BR:
Based on AIII and AII we can make some informed guesses on the payload. The AII payload at ~1 tonne(RV with HAE etc) is most definitely a fission or boosted fission based. The AIII with its 1.5 tonne (RV with HAE etc) is a boosted fission one based on scaling. The fact that its ment for specific country is interesting. The payload has to be credible to that country. And the interesting thing is AIII was first tested in 2006 or design started ~ 5 to 6 years. So the GOI reconciled to the POKII yields early on while the world was debating the results. Another interesting factor is that A-V is to have same payload as the AIII per the quoted news reports. So no one is betting their hat on capability to design TN upto 200kt hogwash. It also means the target planners have come up with the requirements and not the scientists.
"If you overfeed on hope you will die of starvation."
[/quote]
Press reports suggest that MIRV configuration is for Agni-V.
Rocksim indicates the recent test carried a far heavier payload (then the rated 1.5 tonne), in the range of 2490 Kg, which incidently is similar to earliest press report that stated payload figure of 2,490 Kg, and also 3,490 Kg.
It appears to me the MIRV payload will a mix of proven and bug-fixed TN. The proven warheads consisting of 50 kt FBF and 20 kT FBF weighing 250 kg and 100 kg respectively. In terms of destructive effect two 50 Kt warheads have the same effect as 150 kt warhead. Thus heavier FBF warheads of 200 kt or 150 kt would not be competitive.
The current FBF strategy would however require far larger quantity of weapon grade Plutonium extraction and far bigger count of warheads.
Thus heavier FBF warheads of 200 kt would however be more suitable fro single warhead configurations like Agni-II and Agni-III .
Excerpts from my Agni article that was earlier hosted on BR:
Quote:The missile supports a wide range of warhead configurations, with total strategic payload mass ranging from 600 kg to 1,800 kg[105]. High missile accuracy permits effective use by using conventional warhead reportedly ranging between 2490 -3490 Kg.
Quote:The first official confirmation on Agni-III payload types and weight came on 13-April-07 from Union Minister of State for Defence MM Pallam Raju who said "the strategic payload of the missile is between 100 kg to 250 kg".
Quote:INTRODUCTION: Agni-3++ / AGNI-IV
Security experts recognize that Indian nuclear scenario involves states that have nuclear weapons and those who have willingly proliferated nuclear weapons and nuclear technology to its client states to threaten India directly or with proxies. Indian nuclear deterrence is not a two-sum game[#134.A0], that runs risk of pre-emptive strike from wider geo-political players. India thus requires credible deterrence along 360ð azimuth.
The two stage Agni-III would eventually evolve to a full range ICBM by addition of a one or two more stages
and reduced payload configuration. India may soon test[134] Agni-IV.
Agni-3B Configuration:
Agni-3B consisting of A2FS(S32), A3MUS(S9), A3CUS(S4), A3SUM(120-14) and MIRV-Mk4 payload. and MIRV-Mk2 payload.
- Height: 17 m.
- Mass: 51 ton
- Performance: 8,100Km (1,500Kg)