They used a crane in Star Wars, and actually had to open up the roof of the soundstage to do it. (One of my favorite practical shots in the movie.) They did use forklifts for the snowspeeders lifting off in ESB.
I’m sure the launch tube was invented in post production, so probably no art. Surprised Lucas didn’t invent a new shot for the SE of the ships coming out of the temple. Instead, they pasted on CGI ships passing way too close to rebel scout guy on a stick, who doesn’t react to they are buzzing him.
“Launch tube” = no money for showing the ships actually flying out of the open hangar doors.
Which is also why there was a hangar in the first place. Ralph McQuarrie’s initial designs featured the Rebels having an open-air landing strip in the jungle clearing, but GL cut it for budget reasons before shooting.