Droopystop;
I am sure that from the moment of design inception of a new aircraft or component, a fair amount of time passes. When the concept is at a point where it must be pegged before going to production, I would presume that many technological advances have been made known. The point is, that for the allocated budget of the design, will those advances be incorporated now or kept for a future design, maybe incorporated into after market production, possibly offered as an option, or whatever.
No matter how concious we are of the aviation world and its desire for safety, the harsh truth is that safety is dollars. A product will go to market with a sales estimate based on the thoroughness of the manufacturers sales team. That is why he decided to spend the money in the first place, he thought the design would produce a profit.
Then again, the design is pegged and the unit goes into production and a whole new world of tech problems are encountered. Look at the A380 problem with different software being utilised by the different manufacturers and the resultant delays and cost overruns this caused.
I am sure that when design improvements are found even during the design stage, they are seriously considered for incorporation at this time vs the investment or would they be better utilised downstream when the market may be much brighter. Possible even utilised in after market production to enhance sales.
I sometimes wonder if it is far removed from the automobile production. If you design the perfect unit, where will the future sales be after everybody owns one of these perfect units.
Regards
carholme