It was a time of strength and prosperity in the United States. The nation had emerged from World War II as a world leader, and it had placed a war hero in the White House. Beneath it all, however, ran an undercurrent of tension. The Korean War ignited fears of a third world war, and the Cold War was just beginning.
In response, the U.S. raised its commitment to research and development. One result was the University of Illinois Control Systems Laboratory (CSL), which opened its doors in 1951 and initially focused on military research.
In CSL's first decade, the work was classified, the results dramatic.
In response, the U.S. raised its commitment to research and development. One result was the University of Illinois Control Systems Laboratory (CSL), which opened its doors in 1951 and initially focused on military research.
In CSL's first decade, the work was classified, the results dramatic.
Gyroscope research during the 1950's in CSL
JSEP
CSL was one of only a dozen institutions to receive this major electronics grant.
CSL was one of only a dozen institutions to receive this major electronics grant.
The Super Compass
The electric vacuum gyroscope made it possible for nuclear submarines to navigate the world while submerged for months.
The electric vacuum gyroscope made it possible for nuclear submarines to navigate the world while submerged for months.
The Secret Shack
Researchers tracked cars from a wooden shack perched high atop the U of I football stadium. The results: numerous radar breakthroughs.
Researchers tracked cars from a wooden shack perched high atop the U of I football stadium. The results: numerous radar breakthroughs.
Project Quick-Fix
This optical device allowed operators to track several times as many aircraft as previously possible.
This optical device allowed operators to track several times as many aircraft as previously possible.
Rockets and Radio
CSL reached for the sky with Nike-Apache rockets.
CSL reached for the sky with Nike-Apache rockets.
The Roots of Reliability
David Muller left his mark - and his name - on some of CSL's earliest work in reliability.
David Muller left his mark - and his name - on some of CSL's earliest work in reliability.
Giving New Meaning to 'CSL'
CSL became an unclassified laboratory in 1959, changing its name but preserving its acronym.
CSL became an unclassified laboratory in 1959, changing its name but preserving its acronym.