Originally Posted by
Cyclic Hotline
I'm not sure that I understand that statement. Could you amplify it a little?
As Henra says someone has to be first. If not then there is no advancing of capability.
When someone does take the first step it will be designed, developed, tested and proven for their requirements and procedures. If someone else then takes that product then they must stick to exactly the same regime of operation, regulations and maintenance else it isn't really OTS. I have seen small "tweaks" to an existing design have far reaching and unforeseen consequences - only to have everyone shout "but it was off the shelf!"