The Development and Purpose of the SAGE System

The SAGE computer network was developed after World War II to address emerging threats from the Soviet Union, particularly following their successful nuclear tests. Costing more than the Manhattan Project, this system aimed to enhance America's air defense capabilities, transitioning from localized radar systems to a centralized network that could manage airspace effectively. SAGE integrated various radars across vast geographic areas, allowing for coordinated responses in detecting and targeting enemy bombers. By automating the tracking of bombers and directing anti-aircraft missiles and fighter interceptors, SAGE represented a significant technological advancement in aerial defense during the Cold War era.