Bhubaneshwar, Nov 23 The much-awaited test flight of the Agni-II surface-to-surface Intermediate Range Ballastic Missile will take place on Wheeler Island off the Orissa coast tonight.

This is the first time a missile will go for user-trial at night since the beginning of the missile development program by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The test flight of the 2,000-km plus range Agni-II missile will be conducted by the Indian Army.

The aim of the night trial is to provide onfield experience to the armed forces to gauge its accuracy at night.

The Agni-II has been designed to be launched from a rail or mobile launchers and also for road-mobile configuration.

The missile, which is 20 metres long and weighs 16 tons, can carry a payload of around 1,000 kg. Its range can also be increased to 3,000 km by reducing the payload.

The missile has been developed with the technical assistance of the Defense Research and Development Organization. (ANI)