2024-07-16 21:01:32
Israel’s first computer, VICAC, was built in 1954 at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot. Military organizations, including the military intelligence agency (AMAN) and the Rafael weapons development directorate, frequently used the computer to perform calculations. The IDF’s Mechanization and Statistics Center also used IBM equipment for data processing.
Alexey Zheleznov spoke about this on his Telegram channel.
Due to limited access to Vitzak, in 1958 AMAN and Rafael began demanding the purchase of their own computer, citing secrecy issues. Chief of Staff Chaim Laskov and his deputy Zvi Tzur created a committee to study the issue, headed by Colonel Rehavam Zeevi. The committee recommended the purchase of a computer.
In 1959, a task force was formed to select a suitable computer, headed by Mordechai Kikion. The group visited factories in Europe and the United States and recommended purchasing the IBM 709 or Remington Rand 1105. Later, the Philco 2000, which used transistors instead of vacuum tubes, was added to the list. Ultimately, the Philco 2000 was chosen, costing over $2 million in 1961.
To operate the computer, a MAMRAM unit was created, headed by Mordechai Kikion. In July 1961, the computer was delivered to Ramat Gan and installed in a specially built hall. Chief of the General Staff Yitzhak Rabin demonstrated the new computer to journalists, which drew criticism from the left-wing weekly HaOlam HaZe, which claimed that the computer was too powerful and expensive for the needs of the IDF.
Despite the criticism, the Army continued to purchase Philco computers, later switching to the IBM System/360 family. Philco went bankrupt in 1961 and was acquired by Ford Motor Company, but continued to produce computers until 1963. MAMRAM used the Philco 211 until August 1970, when it switched to the IBM S/360.
Thus, the 65-year history of the IDF Computer Center illustrates the importance of technological advances for military purposes and adaptation to new challenges.
Earlier, Cursor reported on what the IDF has achieved in Gaza in 263 days of war.
2024-07-16 21:01:32