Juergen Nieveler wrote:
wrote:
The question could be answered, "yet." Technology marches on.
Not really. You have to target the SAM prior to launch, that means AT
LEAST getting one mast up (which can be detected), or you might even
have to use radar. That's not going to change, regardless of
technological advances.
Well, it is at least in theory possible to launch an IR-guided or
active-radar missile with no assistance from the launch platform. Look
at RAM, AMRAAM, Sidewinder and Penguin for examples.
Submarine skippers prefer not to be detected in the first place. In
WW2, german submarines sometimes bristled with AA guns - which were
totally and utterly useless, however...
snip
AA missiles on a sub aren't completely pointless. If you're stuck on
the surface for some reason (recovering/deploying SEALs, repairing,
etc), they might make a good 'oh crap' defense. Also, a canister that
could be quietly plopped out to bob to the surface, then launch a RAM
or Stinger or something similar might be somewhat useful for popping
helos. Probably only good in the hot-war scenario where your opponent
would risk dropping a weapon on a probsub contact, but not /entirely/
useless. Only worth anything if it's cheap, though (RAM? Stinger?
Strela?)