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IntroductionAt the end of the first World War, the American Hebern invents one of the first cipher machine using rotors. At the same time Scherbius also invented a machine using rotors: the Enigma. The use of cipher machines will gradually become important until replacing the use of codes for cipher messages. A large part of the encryption machines will be equipped with Rotors (Type-X, Lacida, Nema, HX-63, Fialka…). The Rotor concept is a true revolution in the history of cryptography. If we limit ourselves in the history of American cryptography, Hebern’s invention prefigures all American cipher machines (M-134, Sigaba, M-325, KL-7, etc.). History, evolutionIn 1917, the American Hebern invented an cipher machine, the encryption element of which was a rotor. Hebern (simultaneously with Scherbius) invents the Rotor as a ciphering element.
Over the years, Hebern improved his invention. Initially, the first version, which printed, was very bulky, in fact it was the size of a small desk. Then the printer part was replaced by a light panel (like the Enigma). It was then possible to transport the machine in a small case. Then the machine went to three rotors, then to five rotors. Finally, the last model offered complex advancement of the rotors. The main reason why the navy did not place large orders with Hebern is that W. Friedman (and later his team) won the challenges created by the navy (Challenge of 1924 for the 1st version, and Challenge of 1934 for the following version) to check the inviolability of the machines. Hebern's contribution to the US MilitaryBy studying Hebern's cipher machine, W. Friedman understood the benefit of using rotors to automate encryption. His solution to the navy's challenge was only possible because the advancement of the rotors was regular. In 1932 he invented a cipher machine, the M-134, which he patented in 1934. This machine has 5 rotors like the HCM, but the advancement of rotors are irregular thanks to a telex strip. Unfortunately, this machine is not very reliable. Rowlett, who is responsible for preparing the telex tapes (which serve as a key), invents a new machine that is much more reliable and does not need telex tapes. The advancement of the encryption rotors is under the control of 5 rotors who are progressing regularly. Rowlett's ideas are shared with naval cryptanalysts. The navy, which had more money than the army, built (unbeknownst to Rowlett and Friedman) a more complex machine, called SIGABA. It will equip strategic units (army, army corps, etc.) of American defense during the Second World War. More than 10,000 machines will be built. The M-209 machine will equip small units (up to division level). As we can see, the Navy and the army were inspired by Hebern's machines to create their own machines without paying Hebern. In the land of the capitalist, this is a real shame, a violation of patent rights, in short, blatant theft. Note: After the war, in 1947, Hebern asked the American government for compensation of 50 million dollars for having used his ideas. He was rejected in 1953. On the other hand, in 1958, the government gave a donation of $30,000 to Hebern for his invention of the cipher rotor. Unfortunately, Hebern had been dead for 6 years (in 1952). References
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