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AN/FSQ-7: the computer that shaped the Cold War
One of the most impressive computer systems ever was the vacuum tube based behemoth AN/FSQ-7, which was the heart of the "Semi Automatic Ground Environment". Machines of this type were children of the Cold War and had a tremendous effect not only on this episode in politics but also generated a vast amount of spin-offs which still shape our world.
- GenresComputer Science
272 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 12, 2020
Lots of details, especially for a person versed in electronics, how those computers for the air defense of the US, were built and used.
Also interesting the "marginal checking" to identify failing parts earlier.
Lots of small insights that can be readapted to modern context as the operation of 20+ locations with two large installations, that had to be reliable and with virtually no downtime, was no trivial thing. Already powering each location, that to be more independent had its own power supply, was quite a feat. Moreover the computer had to solve a so large real time problem (for the time), with so many connections to other systems, that it sparkled the creation of pioniering solutions for those problems.
Connecting tens of different radar stations and other source of inputs to identify enemy bombers or missiles and provide a possible idea whether the identified object was a threat or not. All this as quickly and accurate as possible (as a nuclear attack is not that is giving too much time).
In ohter words each location with the computers was like a self sustaining place. Of course the emphasis is on the computer, but one has also an overview on other things.
Also interesting the "marginal checking" to identify failing parts earlier.
Lots of small insights that can be readapted to modern context as the operation of 20+ locations with two large installations, that had to be reliable and with virtually no downtime, was no trivial thing. Already powering each location, that to be more independent had its own power supply, was quite a feat. Moreover the computer had to solve a so large real time problem (for the time), with so many connections to other systems, that it sparkled the creation of pioniering solutions for those problems.
Connecting tens of different radar stations and other source of inputs to identify enemy bombers or missiles and provide a possible idea whether the identified object was a threat or not. All this as quickly and accurate as possible (as a nuclear attack is not that is giving too much time).
In ohter words each location with the computers was like a self sustaining place. Of course the emphasis is on the computer, but one has also an overview on other things.
January 20, 2026
This is detailed enough that you can probably start building one of these machines.
March 25, 2026
Wonderful book, full of details. My inner nerd was pleased.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews