The Hopeful Diamond

Reviction

11 Posts

March 30 2011 10:15 GMT

In the late 1970's the talented Skunk Works team at Lockheed was working on an incredible project that would change the face of warfare. One of their math geeks had found a translated version of a paper written by a Russian mathematician that described a series of computations that could accurately predict how radar would react on any surface. Ben R. Rich, the director of Skunk Works at the time, directed his team to write a computer program that could predict the ultimate in low radar observable shapes. The eventual outcome was the F-117a Stealth Fighter. Although the project is now viewed as a success, there were many doubters along the way and Ben R. Rich was forced to repeatedly risk his reputation and even the continued existence of the Skunk Works team in order to see the project through.

The first and biggest problem was one of aerodynamics. The shape the computer program had created was completely unsuitable for flight. It was unstable, inefficient, uncontrollable, and that was before factoring in the need for things like engines and a cockpit. One of the team even went so far as to calculate it had comparable glide dynamics to a manhole cover. Very few believed the project could ever succeed. Though the pentagon gave an early green light and agreed to fund the project, they were doing so more out of interest that it could possibly succeed rather than any confidence. Officially the project was codenamed "Have Blue", but to those working on the plane it went by a name inspired by its odd shape, "The Hopeless Diamond".
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Why do I take my readers down this little historical hallway? The answer is simple. I am in pursuit of my own Hopeless Diamond. My goal of rising to the top of the Master league and eventually playing/casting in the big tournaments seems so far away right now. There are so many problems I have to overcome, so many issues with my gameplay that must be addressed. So much work to be done. Along with that, there are many who surround me who doubt that I might achieve this goal, so I am being put into a position where my reputation is on the line. And yet.....

In my personal life I have only ever known success through great perseverance. I have attempted many things, and failed the majority of them, but my few successes have been outstanding, and they were always the projects where the odds were completely stacked against me. Long shots that seemed hopeless at the outset. Yet, through sheer determination I managed to overcome every obstacle and eventually make my way. So for me, taking up a personal goal that puts me in unforgiving territory is comforting in a way. Its the place where I perform the best, and the only place where my achievements have ever given me a real sense of satisfaction.

So, with that in mind I set myself upon this personal quest. The first and biggest problem is one of aerodynamics. Can I make this unstable and inefficient dream soar? Or will it stay on the ground forever? I intend to find out. I invite my readers to join me in this journey. I have no idea where this will lead or whether or not I will be ultimately successful, but past experience has taught me one thing. It is sure to be one hell of a ride.