Argus 100 Computer

Argus 100 computer, made by Ferranti Ltd, Oldham, 1960 - 1970.

The Ferranti Argus was a successful range of process control computers designed to control complex industrial and technical systems, including chemical plants and power stations. Developed by Ferranti Automation Systems in Wythenshawe, Manchester, the Argus grew from research into missile guidance and command systems carried out during the 1950s. Although derived from military technology, Argus computers were widely used in civilian industry as well as defence projects.

Robust and reliable, many Argus machines remained in service for decades. Several models were produced. This example is an Argus 100, introduced in the 1960s as a smaller and lower-cost version of the original Argus 200. Fourteen Argus 100 machines were sold before they were replaced in production by new models of Argus that used more advanced integrated circuits rather than the transistor electronics of the earlier models.