That's what I thought also.
This photo of another land launch, shows the same antenna in the
background, although this time the missile is ascending vertically:
http://www.bomb-shelter.net/images/s...ub_missile.jpg
You really want to see one starting at a angle, check this photo:
http://www.spacegatewaysupport.com/i...trident4sm.jpg
This one, on the other hand, seems to be going more vertical as it climbs:
http://www.sciprods.com/images/trident_ll_02m.jpg
I think I know what's going on here; If you are attacking a target that's
well under the missile's maximum range, you don't have to worry about
getting the optimal trajectory for low air drag, but can fire it on a
depressed trajectory so that it stays fairly low in altitude and can get
nearer its target before detection by enemy radar, making any attempt to
intercept it more difficult.
That's probably what the inclined launches are testing; they're trading
altitude and range for speed, and operating more like a field gun than a
howitzer.

Pat

IIRC (I'll check with my co-worker that was on boomers), but I believe the
vertical launch tubes the hold the ICBMs are "tilted" slightly outboard and
are not truly vertical. I believe this was done so if the rocket motor did
not light, it would not come back down onto the boat.

Jason C