Computer History Museum | Ray Holt Oral History @ComputerHistory | Uploaded August 2023 | Updated October 2024, 1 hour ago.
Interviewed by Steve Leibson on 2023-05-26 in Pinola, MS
© Computer History Museum
Ray Holt was an unlikely candidate to develop a microprocessor chip set for the US Navy’s new F-14 variable-wing fighter jet. He was a lackluster student, fully committed to a starting a career as a professional baseball player after High School. Career counselors advised him not to go into engineering because he exhibited low mechanical aptitude, so he majored in forestry at the University of Idaho. With these unlikely beginnings, Holt ended up with a BSEE degree from Cal Poly in Pomona, California and then joined Garrett AiResearch, where his first assignment was to the team tasked with designing the world’s first digital electronic flight computer, the CADC (Central Air Data Computer), for the US Navy’s F-14 Tomcat fighter. The CADC was a microprocessor chip set, the first of its kind. Most people have never heard of it because it was classified for 30 years.
* Note: Transcripts represent what was said in the interview. However, to enhance meaning or add clarification, interviewees have the opportunity to modify this text afterward. This may result in discrepancies between the transcript and the video. Please refer to the transcript for further information - computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/102792868
Visit computerhistory.org/collections/oralhistories for more information about the Computer History Museum's Oral History Collection.
Catalog Number: 102792869
Acquisition Number: 2023.0092
Interviewed by Steve Leibson on 2023-05-26 in Pinola, MS
© Computer History Museum
Ray Holt was an unlikely candidate to develop a microprocessor chip set for the US Navy’s new F-14 variable-wing fighter jet. He was a lackluster student, fully committed to a starting a career as a professional baseball player after High School. Career counselors advised him not to go into engineering because he exhibited low mechanical aptitude, so he majored in forestry at the University of Idaho. With these unlikely beginnings, Holt ended up with a BSEE degree from Cal Poly in Pomona, California and then joined Garrett AiResearch, where his first assignment was to the team tasked with designing the world’s first digital electronic flight computer, the CADC (Central Air Data Computer), for the US Navy’s F-14 Tomcat fighter. The CADC was a microprocessor chip set, the first of its kind. Most people have never heard of it because it was classified for 30 years.
* Note: Transcripts represent what was said in the interview. However, to enhance meaning or add clarification, interviewees have the opportunity to modify this text afterward. This may result in discrepancies between the transcript and the video. Please refer to the transcript for further information - computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/102792868
Visit computerhistory.org/collections/oralhistories for more information about the Computer History Museum's Oral History Collection.
Catalog Number: 102792869
Acquisition Number: 2023.0092
