Oh the busted processes and contrary incentives abound, with everybody at a defense industry having all the anecdotes you'd care to listen to. Here's one: an E

Oh the busted processes and contrary incentives abound, with everybody at a defense industry having all the anecdotes you'd care to listen to. Here's one: an Engineer friend worked on a classified project. It apparently had a rocket thruster. He designed the chassis to withstand the thrust. Then they wanted 10% more thrust. He'd overdesigned by 15% so signed off on it. Then they wanted 10% more thrust. No can do! Have to revisit the bracing etc, use different materials, different processes to machine it. Boss visits, says "You can't obstruct this project! It has to go through without delay. So just sign off." He didn't. Recalled materials from railroad siding where they were stored pending machining. Changed drawings and processes. Signed it all now that it was correct and safe. He never got another promotion or raise. Had to quit and work elsewhere.