01-01-2016, 12:12 AM
BFT makes an excellent point.
We've also been through this discussion a few times already.
Bottom line, those who have been in the R&D business know all too well the difficulties of moving a new idea from the "light bulb" stage to an actual proven product. The challenge is far more difficult when we talk about military RDt&E because of the added layers of political decisions. Premature speculation, hints and announcements only serve to hinder or kill what might otherwise truly be an outstanding development if allowed to mature.
Bill A. is to be soundly congratulated for his success in getting the Grendel to where it is. Yes, the commercial side could be helped if folks could hint that the cartridge is being given a serious look for military applications. Those hints, however, might be enough to keep the correct military acquisition decision from being made because noise levels from uninvolved parties gets to be too high.
We don't need to demand, for example, that things like belt links be made in order to show the cartridge can be brought into active service. The examples Stanc displayed show that they truly are only modest extensions to current design and production practice. The effort needed to make them happen will only be a part of the decision and budgeting process.
It is enough for us to seriously explore the sporting side and to chew the military application bone on occasion.
I, for one, enjoy both discussions but prefer to avoid open speculation about whether the acquisition may be serious.
We've also been through this discussion a few times already.
Bottom line, those who have been in the R&D business know all too well the difficulties of moving a new idea from the "light bulb" stage to an actual proven product. The challenge is far more difficult when we talk about military RDt&E because of the added layers of political decisions. Premature speculation, hints and announcements only serve to hinder or kill what might otherwise truly be an outstanding development if allowed to mature.
Bill A. is to be soundly congratulated for his success in getting the Grendel to where it is. Yes, the commercial side could be helped if folks could hint that the cartridge is being given a serious look for military applications. Those hints, however, might be enough to keep the correct military acquisition decision from being made because noise levels from uninvolved parties gets to be too high.
We don't need to demand, for example, that things like belt links be made in order to show the cartridge can be brought into active service. The examples Stanc displayed show that they truly are only modest extensions to current design and production practice. The effort needed to make them happen will only be a part of the decision and budgeting process.
It is enough for us to seriously explore the sporting side and to chew the military application bone on occasion.
I, for one, enjoy both discussions but prefer to avoid open speculation about whether the acquisition may be serious.
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"To those who have fought and almost died for it, freedom has a flavor the protected will never know."
-- Author Unknown
"If at first you do succeed, try not to look astonished!" -- Milton Berle