Reverse engineering

Reverse Engineering is a process in which an article of technology is studied to understand it's operating priciples, generally by taking it apart and studying its workings. Among methods of reverse engineering is duplication.

Examples in real life

• The German Panzershrek is a weapon based heavily on captured Bazookas
• The Soviet Tupolev Tu-4 bomber is reverse engineered duplicate of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress

Examples in Science Fiction

• In the Stargate franchise, humans have managed to use captured alien technology to develop and build starships

Limits of Reverse Engineering

While reverse engineering can accelerate technological development, it does have its limitations. For example, if an M1 Abrams main battle tank was dropped of in Rome in 25BCE and Augustus decided to take it apart to duplicate it, he would be unable to do so, lacking the industries to produce high enough quality steel for the vehicle, let alone be able to produce the engine, the fuel, electronics, optics or the Chobham armor.

Never the less, in verses debates this fact is often overlooked by people who are fond of the no limits fallacy.