SS-N-12 launchers on the aircraft carrier Kiev.

The P-500 Bazalt (Russian: П-500 «Базальт»; English: basalt) is a liquid-fueled, rocket powered, supersonic cruise missile used by the Soviet and Russian navies. Developed by OKB-52 MAP (later NPO Mashinostroyeniye), its GRAU designation is 4K80^[1]. Its NATO reporting name is SS-N-12 Sandbox. It entered service in 1973 to replace the SS-N-3 Shaddock. The P-500 Bazalt had a 550 km range and a payload of 1,000 kg, which allows it to carry a 350 kT nuclear or a 950 kg semi-armor-piercing high explosive warhead (currently only the conventional version remains in service). The P-500 Bazalt uses active radar homing for terminal guidance, and can receive mid-course corrections by the Tupolev Tu-95D, the Kamov Ka-25B and the Kamov Ka-27B.

The P-500 Bazalt was first deployed in 1975 on the Soviet aircraft carrier Kiev, and was later added to both the Echo II class submarine and the Juliett class submarine. A version of the P-500 Bazalt with improved guidance and engines is used on the Slava class cruiser.

The P-700 Granit (NATO reporting name SS-N-19 Shipwreck) was partially based on the SS-N-12, but with a turbojet engine and a significantly modified airframe. The avionics, however, are very close^{[citation needed]}.

[edit] Operators

Current

 Russia

• Russian Navy

Former

 Soviet Union

• Soviet Navy

[edit] See also

• Operation Ivy Bells

[edit] References

1. ^ (Russian) P-500 Bazalt

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: P-500 Bazalt

• MARITIME STRIKE The Soviet Perspective
• Russian/Sovjet P-500 Bazalt Page (with photos)
• Russian/Sovjet Sea-based Anti-Ship Missiles

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