UPSC Prelims 2014 Q37: Science & Technology – Defence Technology
With reference to Agni - IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a surface - to - surface missile.
2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only.
3. It can deliver one - tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away.
Select the correct answer
using the code given below.
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation
Agni-IV Missile
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. It is a surface-to-surface missile | Correct | A ballistic missile launched from land at land targets |
| 2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only | Incorrect | It is a two-stage, solid-propellant missile |
| 3. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away | Incorrect | Its range is about 4,000 km |
The Agni series:
| Missile | Range (about) |
|---|---|
| Agni-I | 700 to 1,250 km |
| Agni-II | 2,000 km |
| Agni-III | 3,000 km |
| Agni-IV | 4,000 km |
| Agni-V | Over 5,000 km |
All are developed by DRDO under the missile programme begun by Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
Answer: (a) 1 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Agni-IV is a surface-to-surface missile; the other statements are false.
- (b) Incorrect. It uses solid propellant, and its range is about 4,000 km.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false; it cannot reach 7500 km.
- (d) Incorrect. Statements 2 and 3 are false.
Key point
Agni-IV: surface-to-surface ballistic missile; two-stage solid propellant; range about 4,000 km; nuclear-capable; DRDO.
Remember
Agni-IV = solid fuel, about 4,000 km.
Common mistakes
- Accepting 'liquid propellant only'; the Agni series is solid-fuelled.
- Taking 7500 km as correct; even Agni-V is in the 5,000 km class.
- Confusing Agni (ballistic) with BrahMos (cruise).
Exam tip
Agni range grows by about 1,000 km per number: IV is about 4,000 km.
Sources
- Defence Research and Development Organisation — Agni series of missiles
- Press Information Bureau — Successful flight test of Agni-IV