Derek Lyons wrote:
(phil hunt) wrote:
[...]
The issue isn't programmers Phil. The issue the massive amounts of
R&D to develop the information needed to specify the sensor that the
programmers will process the output of.

The sensors needed are visual and IR imaging. It doesn't require a
massive R&D program to determine that, or to decide which
combinations of number of pixels and widths of field of view are
appropriate.

Ah, another problem handwaved away. You not only lack a clue, you are
aggressive in avoiding obtaining one.

Hmm.

I've done several iterations of this problem,
though not with systems that went to full scale
development or production.

I believe that for suitably moderated operational
requirements, the problem can be much simpler than I
believe Derek thinks it is.

I belive that Phil is grossly underestimating the
real requirements, even for those suitably moderated
operational requirements.

There is a fair amount of open source material on
various small guided weapon R&D and proposals.
Unless those were all wrong, it can be a lot simpler
than current 'standard' weapons programs.

But few of those have progressed to production.
The new Marines/Navy Spike missile is one
exception, and to some degree is the exception
that probably proves the rule. Their R&D budget
essentially was hidden in the slush funds at China Lake
for a couple of years, and the missile itself is estimated
to cost at most a few thousand dollars.


-george william herbert