This film provides an introductory look into the ITT 465L SACCS; a Cold War era network of computers and communication systems for command and control of the Strategic Air Command that helped inspire the Internet. The Strategic Air Command Central Control System (SACCS) was designed to decrease reaction time to dangers of a possible enemy attack. The film is presented by International Electric Corporation (:09) and opens with a SAC base (:21). Within the base are Atlas ICBM guided missiles (:45), ground alert for B-47 Stratojet bombers and crews (:52). During the Cold War, SACCS’ reaction time to dangers had been lowered from hours to minutes (1:23). Continuous contact is necessary between the system of global bases (1:44). The system assists SAC with automatic transmissions, processing and display of information (2:41). This system is also able to store data for complete war plans (3:02). Some of the prime contractors and subcontractors who took part in this development were IEC (3:27), ITT Kellog and ITT Laboratories (3:30), as well as IBM data processing equipment (3:42). The building containing IEC’s prototype test facility follows (4:08) which is where the system equipment will be tested. Following the tests, SAC is provided with an operational interim system (4:26). This phase is known as IOC which is followed by the final phase of COC (4:35). A precursor to the COC phase is FOCI during which a single computer will be installed at SAC (4:49). There are three major subsystems which include data transmission, data processing and data presentation (5:22). The first contains automatic communications equipment and transition channels which link SAC bases as well as to headquarters (5:37). Within each, is an Automatic Data Transmission Control Center (EDTCC) (5:56). Electronic Data Local Communications Complexes (EDLCC) are set adjacent to the EDTCC and near each of these are Remote Communication Complexes (RCC) (6:27). Duplexed cross tell links exist between them all (6:38). Each of the EDTCC are also connected to two Transmission Control Centers, also with duplexed links (6:41). An example follows (7:03). The typed message is put into digital form, encrypted (7:20) and sent to the Associate Transmission Control Center (7:29). In the event this communication link is broken, the system reroutes the message through the secondary link (7:47). The data processing control performs over 300 operations per second (8:36). Additional storage space exists in the magnetic drum storage (8:44). The magnet tape units save large quantities of information (8:49). After the initial phase of IOC, additional computers are added to provide added capacity for automatic data processing for the COC phase (9:44). The data presentation subsystem provides visual displays of information (10:01). The large screen displays and wall displays (10:09). The central map (10:16) enables controllers to follow actions and shows weather changes, routes and bases. All of this is provided by projection from a group display generator (10:37). The missile status (10:55), missile launch summary (11:06) and the request panel follow (11:23). The essential elements of a military operation include making a detailed plan as well as the means for control (12:09). Within each of these exist multiple tasks (12:45). The machine handles the data while the men working at the center evaluate and form decisions (13:33). The retrieval of data can be accompanied by a machine analysis (14:04). The plan execution is then taken over by the operators (15:09). The control map provides a continuous display of SAC activity (15:51). Positions of aircraft as well as the effectiveness of a strike can be shown (16:45). The system provides alternate plans and data (17:03). Training can also be conducted and if a real emergency takes place during a training, the system automatically resets (18:03). This film was produced by Technical Communications Inc. (19:42).

The ITT 465L Strategic Air Command Control System (SACCS, SAC Control System, 465L Project, 465L Program) was a Cold War “Big L” network of computer and communication systems for command and control of Strategic Air Command. ITT was the prime contractor. SACCS had “Cross Tell Links” between command posts at Offutt AFB, March AFB, & Barksdale AFB, Cheyenne Mountain Complex and Air Force command posts. In addition to IBM for the “Super SAGE type computers”, another of the 6 direct subcontractors was AT&T.

This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD and 2k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com