Originally Posted by
Dan Gerous
Out of curiosity, would the sub firing the Trident be the one with the telemetry mast fitted, and can a Trident be launched from the surface, or would it be fired sub surface then the sub surface and the mast raised?
Don't think so. Chemical motor ignition occurs after the missile has breached the surface; the force which ejects the missile from its tube and clear of the water is in the form of a massive bubble of steam, assisted to some extent by the missile's bouyancy. Can't see that happening if the sub is on the surface and the silo is dry.