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How Big Was SAGE?

SAGE model

IBM built this model to help visualize the layout of a SAGE installation’s four floors: Telephone and Test Equipment, Computer Floor, Command Post and Display Floor.

How Big Was SAGE?

Everything about SAGE was vast. It cost over $10 billion (more than $70 billion 2000 dollars), using some of the largest vacuum tube computers ever built. Primary supplier IBM assigned 7,000 employees to SAGE at the project’s peak.

The size and complexity of SAGE’s software was unprecedented, requiring about a million instructions.

SAGE RADAR

Each SAGE sector contained several long-range RADAR installations feeding data into the system. Specialized processing computers (AN/FST-2) at these RADAR sites communicated with the nearest Direction Center computer over dedicated telephone lines.

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SAGE computer frames

SAGE was designed around pluggable electronic units. Continuous, automatic checking, redundant operation and easy maintenance ensured high reliability.

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Plan for SAGE Direction Center

Located near Fort Dix and Naval Air Station Lakehurst, McGuire Air Force Base became the first operational SAGE Direction Center in 1958. After almost 10 years of service, the purpose-built building was converted to other Air Force uses.

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SAGE building at McGuire Air Force Base

Located near Fort Dix and Naval Air Station Lakehurst, McGuire Air Force Base became the first operational SAGE Direction Center in 1958. After almost 10 years of service, the purpose-built building was converted to other Air Force uses.

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