gambit
PROFESSIONAL
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2009
- Messages
- 28,569
- Reaction score
- 148
- Country
- Location
There is nothing 'suddenly' about it. I read about concept yrs ago when 'quantum' was a buzzword everywhere. I would not be surprise if someone come up with a quantum breakfast cereal.Suddenly, it has become more believable, hasn't it?
I have nothing against theoreticals, but in engineering, we have to deal with the real world. When a concept exit the laboratory, then we will take it seriously. Field testing is considered laboratory, lest anyone starts quibbling about the context of the word. So if a concept requires at least another decade before the engineers, regardless of country or nationality, get their greasy hands on it, it is pointless to start speculating on how effective the concept will be in a real war.
This is the progression of any technological achievement...
First...You have a 'science project'. It is essentially asking 'Can something be done ?'. You answer that question by putting experiments together to prove that the concept can transition to the physical realm: Proof of Concept.
Next...You enter 'research and development' (R/D). This is where you take cost into consideration. You have to use the lowest cost in materials to make more than just a few working models. You explore avenues of packaging. Does mobility matter ? If yes, you must 'trim the fat', so to speak.
Next...You enter initial manufacturing. This is where you investigate if you have the necessary industrial infrastructures to support mass production.
For example...If the item requires maraging steel, can you access it ? FYI, maraging steel is internationally controlled, meaning its production and sales are closely monitored by every major power in the world.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maraging_steel
If the item requires unique electronics, do you have existing capabilities to custom manufacture said unique electronics ? If not, can you get it and in stable supplies ?...is closely monitored by international authorities because it is particularly suited for use in gas centrifuges for uranium enrichment...
Next...You enter mass production. It does not matter if the item can be made by one manufacturer. The point here is that the item can be manufactured from proven processes and materials at the lowest possible cost and from steady suppliers.
This is why it can take decades for anything to go from proof of concept to mass production.
In the context of military applications, engineers and the military do not have the luxury of time. If I am to be attacked by a squadron of low radar observable enemy, I cannot console myself by thinking that my scientists are working on something that will defeat this enemy a few yrs from now.
The science world is filled with science projects that ended at the lab's doors. I joined this forum in 2009, since then, I have repeatedly said that the greatest threat to 'stealth' is the bi-static radar, but even so, the bi-static (or multi-static) radar have its weaknesses and limitations. Today, those weaknesses and limitations made the bi-static radar limited in military deployment. The Kolchuga and VERA wannabes are nowhere to be found. The greatest threat to American 'stealth' fighters fizzled out.
Last edited: