| |
|
|
|
| |
The CPC was the first digital computer
used in the space program and was instrumental in the development of the
U.S. Army Redstone missile.
The IBM Card-Programmed Electronic Calculator was announced
in May 1949 as a versatile general purpose computer designed
to perform any predetermined sequence of arithmetical
operations coded on standard 80-column punched cards.
It was also capable of selecting and following one of
several sequences of instructions as a result of operations
already performed, and it could store instructions for
self-programmed operation. It could add figures at the
rate of 2,174 a minute.
The Calculator consisted of a Type 605 Electronic Calculating
Punch and a Type 412 or 418 Accounting Machine. A Type
941 Auxiliary Storage Unit was available as an optional
feature.
All units comprising the Calculator were interconnected
by flexible cables. If desired, the Type 412 or 418, with
or without the Type 941, could be operated independently
of the other machines. The Type 605 could be used as a
Calculating Punch and the punch unit (Type 527) could
be operated as an independent gang punch.
Customer deliveries of the CPC began in late 1949, at
which time more than 20 had been ordered by government
agencies and laboratories and aircraft manufacturers.
Nearly 700 CPC systems were delivered during the first-half
of the 1950s. |
| |
|
|
|
|
