Entering service in 1972, the P-120 Malakhit weapons system (ASCC/NATO codename ‘SS-N-9 Siren’) became the core of the Project 670M-class (Charlie II). Each vessel carried eight such missiles, two of which were usually equipped with nuclear warheads, with the remainder being conventionally armed. All eight could be launched from a submerged submarine in a quick salvo. At 70km, the P-120’s range was still relatively short, but the weapon travelled at Mach 0.9, and was equipped with a passive infrared seeker in the housing under the fuselage, in addition to its terminal active radar homing system. The P-700 Granit (ASCC/NATO codename ‘SS-N-19 Shipwreck’; shown on the right) was the main weapon of the Project 949- and 949A-classes (Oscar II). The weapon was developed to be used in attacks conducted in coordination with Tupolev Tu-22M bombers. One missile in each salvo would use its radar in active and passive modes to ‘scout’ for targets and relay this information to the remainder. The P-700 could reach a maximum speed of Mach 2.5 if fired over the maximum range and travelling at high altitude, or Mach 1.5 in sea-skimming mode. This missile was armoured to provide a degree of protection against the Mk.15 Phalanx CIWS system carried by US and allied warships. (Artworks by Tom Cooper)