Computing Atlas

How Computing Was Built
Sign In
Text size
100%
Theme
System

ALWAC III-E

Commercial Computer

The ALWAC III-E, also known as the Wegematic 1000, was an early commercial vacuum-tube computer using a rotating magnetic drum for main storage, operational in 1955 and weighing about 1,000 kilograms. It was manufactured first in Los Angeles by Logistics Research and the Alwac Corporation, and later in Tyreso, Sweden, by Alwac AB.

Facts
Year
1955 1
Significance
An ALWAC III-E was installed by the CIA's Photographic Intelligence Division in 1957 to analyze reconnaissance photographs taken by U-2 spy planes. 1
Sources
1. ALWAC III-E - Wikipedia
  • Lead section
    The ALWAC III-E or Wegematic 1000 was an early commercial vacuum-tube computer employing a rotating magnetic drum main storage unit, operational in 1955.
  • Delivered units section
    One was installed by the CIA in September, 1957 in the offices of the Photographic Intelligence Division, which used the ALWAC to analyse pictures taken by U-2 spy planes.
View the Source
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share a thought.
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.