Name/Title
1980- Project Whirlwind- Redmond and SmithDescription
by Kent C. Redmond and Thomas Malcolm Smith, published in 1980, is a comprehensive account of the development of the Whirlwind computer. This book delves into the history of one of the first large-scale, high-speed digital computers.
The authors detail the technical challenges and innovations that were part of Project Whirlwind’s creation. They discuss the project’s origins during World War II when there was a need for advanced computational capabilities to improve military equipment and strategies. The book also covers the evolution of the project into a foundational piece of technology that would influence future computer development. Key topics include the engineering breakthroughs, such as the move from electrostatic storage tubes to magnetic core memory, which greatly enhanced the computer’s reliability and speed. The narrative also explores the project’s impact on the establishment of the MIT Lincoln Laboratory and its role in the development of the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) air defense system.
“Project Whirlwind” is not just a technical recount; it also examines the broader implications of the computer’s development on society and the field of computing. It’s a valuable resource for understanding the early history of computer science and the profound changes brought about by digital computing technology.