Sinbad - Thanks for the information about A-4, especially the 6g, for F/A-18 this gives:
Max t/o weight: 60,000lb
Thrust for 6g: 360,000lbf
Engine thrust: 70,000lbf with burners
Required rocket thrust: 290,000lbf
Rather a lot of rocket!
Waddo - Yes, rocket trolley launch is an option, for example Barnes Wallis used rocket trolley launch for his Wild Goose programme:
Sir Barnes Wallis - Supersonics
Rocket thrust requirement is again a bit of a problem.
Sam - Wow, I've been called a troll many times, especially on a nearby thread. I am greatly honoured by your suggestion that I might be a Super-Troll with Whitehall connections. Alas no, just a dumb old engineer, retired from active involvement. Thanks!
