From Science to Overmatch: A Case Study of the Ballistic Research Laboratory Prior to and during World War 2

Abstract

This report explores the extant literature regarding the history of the Ballistic Research Laboratory (BRL) prior to and during World War 2 (WW2) for the purposes of 1) identifying examples of research that contributed to recognized overmatch over the adversary, documented in an unambiguous, objective fashion, and 2) identifying related potential lessons learned for defense science and technology (S and T) organizations. The report identifies several important contributions of BRLs scientific endeavors into WW2-era overmatch; highlights the need for systematic, longitudinal studies and documentation of sciences contribution to military capabilities; and notes that organizational climate and recognition of an S and T organizations contributions are challenges that require continuous efforts to overcome.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2022
Accession Number
AD1167361

Entities

People

  • Alexander S. Kott

Organizations

  • United States Army Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Ammunition
  • Anti-Tank Guns
  • Artillery
  • Ballistics
  • California
  • Case Studies
  • Civil War
  • Composite Materials
  • Engineering
  • Engineers
  • Jet Propulsion
  • Lessons Learned
  • Military Capabilities
  • Military Science
  • Munitions
  • Projectiles
  • Second World War
  • Shaped Charges
  • Tank Guns
  • United States
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Technical Research and Report Writing.