41-445: (Redirected from Wheelers Island ) Wheeler Island may refer to: Wheeler Island, India Wheeler Island (Queensland) , Australia Wheeler Island (California) , United States Wheeler Island, Connecticut , United States Wheeler Islands (West Virginia) , United States Topics referred to by the same term [REDACTED] This disambiguation page lists articles associated with
82-473: A conventional payload of 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) or a nuclear warhead. This original technology demonstrator evolved into the solid-fuel Agni-1 and Agni-2 missiles. India first developed the two-stage 2000 km range Agni-2, testing it in 1999. It then used the first stage of this system to develop the 700 km range single-stage Agni-1, which was first tested in January 2002 Weighing 12 tonne with
123-488: A launch weight of 17 tonnes and can carry a payload of 1,000 kg. Agni-III is the third in the Agni series of missiles . Agni III uses solid propellant in both stages. Agni-III was first tested on 9 July 2006 from Wheeler Island off the coast of the eastern state of Odisha . After the launch, it was reported that the second stage of the rocket did not separate and the missile had fallen well short of its target. Agni-III
164-477: A length of 15 metres, Agni-1 has a range of 700–900 km and is capable of carrying a conventional payload of 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) or a nuclear warhead at a speed of 2.5 km/s. Agni missiles consist of one (short range) or two stages (intermediate-range). These are rail and road mobile and powered by solid propellants . Agni-I is used by the Strategic Force Command (SFC) of
205-408: A nearby island they referred to as "Chandrachood", which they thought could be Wheeler Island. After Saraswat and Salwan reached "Chandrachood island", they confirmed that it was the same as Small Wheeler island on the map, and that it had the appropriate dimensions to host a missile testing facility. The team had to remain overnight on the island surviving only on bananas. In Ignited Minds: Unleashing
246-559: A range of 2,000–2,500 km is 20 metres long, has a diameter of one metre, and weighs around 18 tonnes. Agni–II uses solid propellant in both of its two stages. They are claimed to be a part of the "credible deterrence " against China and Pakistan. India stated that its nuclear and missile development programmes are not Pakistan-centric, that the Pakistani threat is only a marginal factor in New Delhi's security calculus, and that Agni
287-476: A result. To protect the turtles, all lights at the facility are dimmed or masked during nesting season, and missile testing is restrained during the turtles' nesting and breeding season. The DRDO stated that around 150,000 olive ridley turtles had laid eggs on Abdul Kalam Island's beaches in February-March 2013 and that the number of turtles was growing. In May 2013, increasing concern has been drawn to
328-578: A special programme in India's defence budget and provided adequate funds for subsequent development. As of November 2019 , the missiles in the Agni series are being inducted into service. The family comprises the following: The two-stage Agni technology demonstrator, with a solid-fuel first stage, was first tested at the Interim Test Range in Chandipur in 1989. It was capable of carrying
369-400: A strike range of 8,000–10,000 km with MIRVed warheads. In May 2008 Indian scientists announced they had developed and patented a path-breaking technology that increases the range of missiles and satellite launch vehicles by at least 40%. The enhanced range is made possible by adding a special-purpose coating of chromium-based material to a rocket's blunt nose cone. The material acts as
410-634: A suitable location to construct a dedicated military missile test range and begin development of the Agni series of missiles. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) constructed an interim facility adjacent to the Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE) at Chandipur. In 1986, the Union Government announced plans to construct a National Test Range at Baliapal in Balasore district,
451-417: A warhead of 1 tonne. It is designed to increase the kill efficiency along with a higher range performance. Agni IV is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, that include indigenously developed ring laser gyro and composite rocket motor. It is a two-stage missile powered by solid propellant. Its length is 20 metres and its launch weight is 17 tonnes. It can be fired from a road-mobile launcher. Agni-V
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#1732787382477492-497: A warhead of 1.5 tonnes. It has been reported that the missile's circular error probable (CEP) lies in the range of 40 metres, This would make Agni-III the most accurate strategic ballistic missile of its range class in the world. This is of special significance because a highly accurate ballistic missile increases the "kill efficiency" of the weapon; it allows Indian weapons designers to use smaller yield nuclear warheads (200 kiloton thermonuclear or boosted fission) while increasing
533-404: Is a solid fueled intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India. It will greatly expand India's reach to strike targets more than 7,000 km away. Agni-V was first test fired on 19 April 2012 at 08:07 am IST from Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Orissa, the test was successful. The second test launch of Agni-V
574-497: Is about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) in length and 390 acres (1.6 km ) in area. The nearest port is Dhamra Port . The island is part of Bhadrak district . The Integrated Test Range (ITR) is a missile testing facility composed of two complexes - Launch Complex-IV (LC-IV) located on Abdul Kalam Island and Launch Complex-III (LC-III) located at Chandipur . In the early 1980s the Government of India began searching for
615-422: Is an island off the coast of Odisha , India , approximately 150 kilometres (93 mi) east of the state capital Bhubaneswar . The island was originally named after English commandant Lieutenant Hugh Wheeler . On 4 September 2015, the island was renamed to honour the former Indian president, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam . The Integrated Test Range missile testing facility is located on the island, and serves as
656-566: Is at the heart of deterrence in the larger context of Sino-Indian equation. The 2000 km range nuclear weapon capable missile, already inducted into the country's arsenal, was successfully launched as a training exercise by the Strategic Forces Command on 9 August 2012. India on 7 April 2013 conducted the latest test of its nuclear-capable Agni-II strategic ballistic missile from a missile testing range in Odisha. The test
697-519: Is located close to the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary , the world's largest rookery of the endangered olive ridley sea turtle . Abdul Kalam Island's sandy beaches are a favoured nesting location for the turtles. The bright lights installed at the missile testing facility on the island caused some baby turtles to get lost as they were attracted towards the lights. Many baby turtles would fail to find their way to sea, and some died as
738-478: Is no airport or bridge connecting the island to the mainland. It does have a small helipad, but missile airframes and all supplies, construction materials and heavy equipment arrive by ship. Abdul Kalam Island also has a 2.3 kilometer long railway line which connects the missile assembly buildings and is used to carry missile airframes from the pier to the launch pad. The island also has residential and other facilities for DRDO scientists and staff. Abdul Kalam Island
779-425: Is the fourth in the Agni series of missiles which was earlier known as Agni II prime . Agni-IV was first tested on 15 November 2011 and 19 September 2012 from Wheeler Island off the coast of the eastern state of Orissa for its full range of 4,000 km. The missile lifted off from a road-mobile launcher at 11.48 a.m. and after climbing to an altitude of over 800 km, it re-entered the atmosphere and impacted near
820-692: The Indian Army . The latest missile test occurred on 13 July 2012, when India test-fired Agni I successfully at Abdul Kalam Island off Orissa coast. On 11 April 2014 the missile was test fired for the first time in a night trial exercise to its full range of 700 km from the Wheeler island off the Odisha coast. The missile randomly picked from the production line was test-fired by the Strategic Forces Command after 11 pm. This test
861-560: The five elements of nature . Agni missiles are long-range, nuclear weapons capable, surface-to-surface ballistic missiles. The first missile of the series, Agni-I was developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (lGMDP) and tested in 1989. After its success, the Agni missile programme was separated from the GMDP upon realizing its strategic importance. It was designated as
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#1732787382477902-525: The Power Within India (2002), Kalam wrote, "to their surprise they [Saraswat and Salwan] found a Bangladeshi flag flying atop a tree, as the island may have been frequented by fishermen from the neighbouring country. My friends quickly removed the flag". Kalam received clearance from then Defence Minister (and Prime Minister ) P. V. Narasimha Rao to acquire the island, and wrote a letter to then Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik requesting
943-462: The change of the island's topography , owing to sand erosion. Since the island is technically a shoal , seawater frequently causes sand-shifting. The DRDO sought the assistance of geological experts from National Institute of Ocean Technology to monitor the situation. Agni (missile) The Agni missile ( Sanskrit : अग्नि; lit. Fire ) is a family of medium to intercontinental range ballistic missiles developed by India, named after one of
984-509: The file of approval only when you give me a promise. Chief Minister held my hand and said, I have an invitation to visit China . I will visit only when you promise that you will make a missile that will reach China. I said, Chief Minister Sir, definitely, we will work for it. I immediately informed our Defence Minister. Chief Minister signed the file and I got the island, particularly the Small Wheeler island." The Odisha government leased
1025-419: The island. Some journalists have also visited the island. The island is largely empty for most of the year and staffed only by security personnel, but may host thousands of scientists, technicians and other staff during missile tests. The test facility includes a launch pad, missile assembly/checkout buildings, and several administrative, and support buildings. The facility is only accessible by ship, as there
1066-490: The islands to DRDO for 99 years. Kalam referred to the island as his "Theatre of Action". The first missile test conducted on Abdul Kalam Island was the successful test of the Prithvi missile on 30 November 1993. All three armed forces services chiefs witnessed the event. Dr. S.K. Salwan stated that "the entire Island was on fire after the strike, which had hit bullseye". The missile test had an accuracy of 27 meters, which
1107-524: The lethality of the strike. This permits India to deploy a much larger nuclear force using less fissile/fusion material (plutonium/lithium deuteride) than other nuclear powers. Older ballistic missiles, such as those deployed by earlier nuclear powers required larger yield (1–2 megaton) warheads to achieve the same level of lethality. It has also been reported that with smaller payloads, the Agni-III can hit strategic targets well beyond 3,500 km. Agni-IV
1148-513: The map as Long Wheeler, Coconut Wheeler and Small Wheeler. Kalam sent scientists Dr V. K. Saraswat and Dr S.K. Salwan to locate the islands. The team hired a boat from Dhamra for ₹ 250 (equivalent to ₹ 1,800 or US$ 22 in 2023), and armed with a directional compass , set off to locate the islands. However, they became lost and were unable to find the island until they came across some fishing vessels. The fishermen stated that they had not heard of Wheeler Island but provided directions to
1189-491: The older generation missile such as Prithvi , Agni-I and Agni-II. Agni-VI is an intercontinental ballistic missile reported to be in the early stages of development by India and is being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation. It is to be the latest and most advanced version of the Agni missile programme. It will be capable of being launched from submarines as well as from land, and will have
1230-485: The pre-designated target in the Indian Ocean with a remarkable degree of accuracy following a 20-minute flight. Carrying a payload of explosives weighing a tonne, the missile re-entered the atmosphere and withstood temperatures of more than 3,000 °C. With a range of 3,000–4,000 km, Agni-IV bridges the gap between Agni II and Agni III. It was again successfully test-fired on 20 January 2014. Agni IV can take
1271-537: The same district as Chandipur. This would have required the government to move 130,000 people out of 130 villages located in the area. Agni-I was first tested at Launch Complex-III in Chandipur on 22 May 1989. In 1995, the Government abandoned the plan to move the test range from Chandipur to Baliapal, and instead built a new test site known as Launch Complex-IV at Abdul Kalam Island. Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
Wheeler Island - Misplaced Pages Continue
1312-652: The test facility for most of India's missiles such as the Akash , Agni , Astra , BrahMos , Nirbhay , Prahaar , Prithvi , Shaurya Missile , Advanced Air Defence , Prithvi Air Defence , SMART missile and ASAT missiles . Abdul Kalam Island is one among a group of five islands located in the Bay of Bengal , approximately 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) off the eastern coast of India, and about 70 kilometres (43 mi) south of Chandipur in Balasore district , Odisha. The island
1353-529: The title Wheeler Island . If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article. Retrieved from " https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wheeler_Island&oldid=978970275 " Category : Disambiguation pages Hidden categories: Short description is different from Wikidata All article disambiguation pages All disambiguation pages Wheeler Island, India Dr. Abdul Kalam Island , formerly known as Wheeler Island ,
1394-510: The use of the islands. The DRDO had received indications that there were several reasons why the Chief Minister's Office would not be willing to allocate the island. Kalam received a meeting with Patnaik ten days after his request. According to Kalam, "When we reached his office, the file was in front of him. Chief Minister Biju Patnaik ji said, Kalam, I have decided to give all the five islands at no cost to you [DRDO], but I will sign
1435-417: Was again tested on 12 April 2007, this time successfully, again from Wheeler Island. On 7 May 2008, India again successfully test-fired this missile. This was the third consecutive test; it validated the missile's operational readiness while extending the reach of India's nuclear deterrent to the most high-value targets of the nation's most likely adversaries. Agni-III has a range of 3,500 km, and can take
1476-672: Was appointed as the first director of the Integrated Test Range in 1982. Following the successful demonstration of the Prithvi missile in October 1993, the Indian Army requested the DRDO to conduct a confirmatory test on a land range to validate circular error probability . The Army was not convinced that the missile met the specified 150 meters accuracy, and wanted it fired on land to clearly view its impact point. The DRDO
1517-557: Was conducted from Abdul Kalam Island (formerly known as Wheeler Island) in Bhadrak district , by army personnel as part of a training exercise. India successfully conducted the first night trial of nuclear-capable intermediate-range ballistic missile Agni-II from the Abdul Kalam Island of the Odisha coast at 16 Nov 2019. The 20-metre-long, two-stage ballistic missile has a strike range of 2,000 km To 3000 km. It has
1558-484: Was far more accurate than the Army's required 150 meters. A granite memorial called Prithvi Point stands at the location of the original impact point of the test. Wheeler Island was uninhabited when it was allocated to the DRDO. Since the construction of the Integrated Test Range, entry to Abdul Kalam Island is restricted for the general public, and only DRDO personnel and Defence Ministry officials are permitted to travel to
1599-501: Was successfully done on 15 September 2013 at 08:43 am IST from Abdul Kalam Island (formerly known as the Wheeler Island). In January 2015, the canisterized version was successfully tested from Wheeler Island. It is a medium-range ballistic missile under development that incorporates technological advances from Agni-IV and Agni-V projects. Although it looks similar to Agni-III the weight is reduced by half. Agni-P will replace
1640-413: Was the first night after 2 previous tests failed due to technical glitches. The missile was test fired from a mobile launcher with logistics support from DRDO at the Integrated Test Range as part of the regular training exercise by the armed forces. With a special weapons load Agni-I can reach 1200 km. As compared to Agni-II, Agni-I is less costly, simple, accurate, and more mobile. Agni-II with
1681-567: Was unable to conduct the test at its desert range in Rajasthan because of concerns about range safety and geopolitical issues, and ruled out the Andaman and Nicobar Islands because they were far from the mainland. The agency decided to seek an uninhabited island off India's east coast to resolve the issue. The Indian Navy supplied DRDO with a hydrographic map on which Kalam spotted three small islands off Dhamra's coast, which were marked on