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← Siemens Data Aroflex II →
Online/offline teletype encryptor
- wanted item
The T-1285CA was an electronic device for the online/offline encryption and
decryption of text-based messages. It was based on a T1285 teleprinter unit
developed by Siemens AG in Germany, with the optional built-in
cryptographic heart
developed by Philips Crypto BV
in The Netherlands.
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The machine was developed as the successor to
the T-1000CA Aroflex, a machine
based on the
Siemens T-1000 teleprinter
with a crypto unit, developed
by Philips, mounted at the bottom.
The new T-1285CA was intended as a plug-in replacement for the Aroflex
and was developed in close collaboration with
Philips Crypto BV.
A complete setup consists of a main unit, a monitor, a printer
and an (optional) paper-tape reader/puncher.
All units meet NATO TEMPEST requirements [1].
It is also known as the Philips PDLX-6141,
but is generally called
Aroflex II
[2].
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Development of the T-1285CA took many years and costed millions
of Dollars. Introduction of the machine was delayed several times and
by the time it was introduced, in the mid-1990s, teletype machines were
rapidly being replaced by computers. As a result, only a limited number
of machines were produced and sold, before Philips and Siemens
decided to end the project.
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The basic T-1285 teleprinter unit was also adopted by
Crypto AG (Hagelin)
in Switzerland as the body for their
HC-5700 and HC-5750 cipher machines
[3]. Although the Hagelin-version looks similar,
it has a different crypto heart and
is not compatible with the NATO approved T-1285CA.
The HC-5700
remained in production long after Siemens had discontinued
the T-1285CA [3].
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© Crypto Museum. Created: Wednesday 17 August 2011. Last changed: Saturday, 24 February 2018 - 20:44 CET.
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![Click for more information. Photograph taken from the brochure [1].](img/t1285_small.jpg)