A commenter recalls a CENTCOM technology official testing a prototype for an autonomous naval craft. Her joking question about waterproofing exposed that the contractor had missed one of the system's most basic environmental requirements. The reply recognizes the wider pattern from experience. Technical novelty and solutions for unusual cases cannot compensate for neglecting seaworthiness and routine operating needs.
Notable Point · 8:31-8:58
Operational basics before technical wonders
A naval prototype that was not waterproof illustrates how sophisticated technology can fail when designers neglect the basic conditions of operating at sea.