February 1941, an era where the development of weapons were at an all time high

February 1941, an era where the development of weapons were at an all time high how war brought about an era where the development of weapons were at an all time high as "from the 110 worthy of consideration came 3 that saw actual service" "suggestions of weapons calculated to overwhelm the enemy at a single blow" (Resource can ONLY be: LIFE magazine Jan-Mar 1941 issue on the topic, preferably the February 1941 issue)