DataSaab: Sweden’s Lesser-Known History in Computing
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Summary
Sweden was a significant contributor to the development of early computing technology, particularly in the advancement of minicomputers, according to a recent Hackaday article.
Beginning with the Binär Aritmetisk Relä-Kalkylator (BARK) in 1950 and followed by the Binär Elektronisk SekvensKalkylator (BESK) in 1953, Swedish computing technology advanced significantly.
Saab’s entry into the computing market through the creation of Saab’s räkneautomat (SARA), intended to compute complex calculations for the Saab 37 Viggen jet fighter, was the apex of this.
Building on its computing division, Datasaab produced the transistorised D2 in 1960, as well as the CK37 navigational computer, which was integrated into the Viggen aircraft in 1971.
The formative role that Swedish organisations played in the development of computing technology for both military and commercial sectors is reflected in these pioneering initiatives.
