On Sep 12, 9:08*am, WaltBJ wrote:
SNIP . .
FWIW *simulated ICBMs have been launched from transport aircraft. A
drogue chutes hauls it out the back and a few seconds later it is
hanging from the chute in a vertical position - next a timer fires the
rocket motor and off it goes. I suspect the big problem back then was
establishing an accurate launch position for the inertial guidance
system to start from. Maybe GPS can do that nowadays.

Stellar-Inertial guidance entered service with Trident C4. One of
its earliest uses would have been the
abandoned skybolt B-52 launched ballistic missile. Both subs and an
air launched missile would have
the same problems. Typically subs maintained position using an
inertial navigation system that was updated
by radio navigation or alternatively a star fix.

Stellar inertial could have been ready earlier than Trident C4 but
because it had been sold as "providing counter force capability" it
was attacked in congress. Later it was sold as 'enhancing
survivability"(greater standoff distances) it went through.