Vintage Computer History, Air Force Automation: AFLC, Vietnam. A newly expanded version of our mini-documentary on the large-scale Sperry UNIVAC 1050-II implementation conducted by the U.S. Air Force Logistics Command (“AFLC”) in 1963 to 1966. One of the largest computer acquisitions and installations ever made, installing over 100 UNIVAC 1050 systems in bases throughout the world. Part of the creation of the Standard Base Supply System (SBSS), which remained in use for decades. Includes 1966 film clips from Da Nang, Vietnam and computer data center. (Historical Note: This is the same Base that was attacked during the Tet Offensive, in 1968.)
This film is Dedicated to members of United States Air Force and former employees of Sperry-Rand (UNIVAC).
*** The mandatory stay-at-home directive gave us time to research new information on this topic and provide improved video images. Hope you enjoy! ~~
Uploaded by Computer History Archives Project.
Editor: Mark Greenia; Narrator: David Melvin.
Special thanks to:
U.S. Air Force Archives
Unisys Corporation
Hagley Museum, of Delaware
Al Kossow’s Bitsavers.org
VIP Club — Information Technology (IT) Pioneers
Retirees and former employees of Unisys, Lockheed Martin, and their heritage companies
Computer History Museum
Links to Key References:
UNIVAC 1050 General Reference Manual, by Sperry Rand, 1963
AIR FORCE MAGAZINE, September 1964, article: “The Air Force Logistics Command”
The Air Force Comptroller magazine, April 1985, Data Automation (article)
The RAND Report (1968 post implementation study)
Univac 1050-II (BRL Report: Specifications)
Sperry Univac 1100/60 Specifications
Sperry Univac Series 1100 “Sales Information Manual” courtesy of VIP Club
Fastrand Costs: The Fastrand Drum Storage Unit cost $160,000 by itself.
Here is a brief overview of the Fastrand, if you’d like more info:
