On 11/09/2020 01:51, Martin Gregorie wrote:
> The point that really stood out on rereading it was the comment that it
> takes much longer to build the computers that control the spaceships and
> missiles than the build the hulls and engines - exactly the opposite of
> the current day when its faster and cheaper to build a car that uses
> digital electronics to link its throttle pedal to the engine or to
> control its gearbox than to fit a mechanical throttle linkage or use a
> mechanical automatic gearbox.

Its not faster or cheaper at all, the exact opposite!

The reason for fly-by-wire throttle and electronic gearbox control is
driving dynamics, fuel economy and emissions control.

There is a lot of very expensive software in ECUs to get this right, and
it turns out even more expensive software to get it not right (if you
include fines and lawsuits).

---druck

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