1960- (Video) Sage Computer

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Name/Title

1960- (Video) Sage Computer

Tags

IBM, Sage

Scope and Content

The Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) was a remarkable system of large computers and networking equipment. It coordinated data from numerous radar sites, creating a unified image of airspace over a wide area.

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Sage Computer

General Notes

Note

Purpose: SAGE directed NORAD’s response to potential Soviet air attacks during the Cold War. Components: Enormous IBM AN/FSQ-7 computers (weighing over 250 tons each) formed the backbone. Operation: Operators used light guns to select targets, issue commands, and coordinate defenses. Legacy: SAGE remains part of Cold War lore and even appeared in movies like “Dr. Strangelove.”