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Originally Posted by geetrue
Not a bad idea, especially with the new X-47 unmaned aircraft the US Navy is experimenting with right now or how about that new USAF 3,600 mph aircraft if say they could get that thing to work.
What a combination ... I still remember the old Regulus missile program on surface ships and submarines that's how old I am.
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Actually, a special submarine is no longer needed for this role. All you need is a UAV that fits into the tubes, which isn't terribly difficult.
Additionally, you could argue that all subs became "aircraft carriers" ever since SLCMs came around. A cruise missile is, essentially, a single-use precision bomber. I don't think operating a reusable aircraft in such confined quarters is actually more economical.