Cryptographic Hagelin CX52 - RT Random Tape with B-621 Keyboard, Italian Ship Andrea Doria, 1964

Hagelin Cryptographic Machine Model CX-52 - RT (RT = Random Tape), produced in 1964, by Hagelin Cryptos also known as Crypto AG. This specimen comes complete with its original Model B-621 Keyboard Base.

This cryptographic machine is truly undecipherable provided that the punched tape is generated by a truly random process. It uses the Vernam cipher and the heart of the system is a 5-hole punched tape (so it uses the Baudot code).

The tape on the right, necessary for "transcribing the cryptographic code", is punctured in a random and unpredictable way by a chemical process. The same is designed for the creation of five holes for each row and the sixth hole, observable centrally and smaller in size than the others, is only useful for dragging the belt itself. The ciphertext to be sent is shown on the tape on the left, located above the alphabetical disc.

The rarity of this Cryptographic Machine is enhanced by the presence of a plate on the back, which indicates that it was used by the SIOC (Combat Operations Information Service) of the Italian Navy. With more careful research we have come to establish that it was supplied to the Helicopter Carrier Missile Warship Andrea Doria.

In fact, by deciphering the CGH code or the "Hull Classification Symbol" we obtain:

CG = Missile Cruiser.

H = Helicopter carrier

553 = Andrea Doria Military Identification

The machine is complete with 2+2 keys useful for connecting the B-621 base with the body of the RT, the power cable, the instructions for its operation (photocopy in English) and its original aluminum case useful for transport.

The key ring features the Navy symbol.

An identical specimen, but without the original case, is kept at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Farnesina (Italy).

SIOC

Initials of the Combat Operations Information Service, which has the task, in the Italian Navy, of providing the command of the individual units with all the operational information in an essential picture of the operational situation in progress, and the elements responsible for the use of weapons indispensable to allow the highest possible timeliness of integral intervention.