In 1978, Kartsev began developing a multi-processor vector computer, calling it the M-13. By 1981, his team delivered the blueprints for its separate units to the manufacturers. The M-13, whose main purpose was real time large data processing, marked the fourth generation of Soviet computers and used large integrated circuits as its elemental base. Architecturally, it contained four general units: a central processor, hardware equipment for operational system support, remote equipment interfaces, and a special processor.
The M-13's special processor was used for working with large arrays of relatively short digit-length, such as Fourier transformations, correlation function calculations, threshold comparisons, etc. The operational speed of the M-13's special processor at its maximum performance capacity could reach up to 2.4 billion operations per second.
Kartsev finished his May 1982 speech at the Institute's 15th anniversary ceremony with the following words:
...It seems to me that we have never completed a project as successfully as we have now,[7] nor have we ever had a project as difficult as this one, where we encountered so many problems. But I just wanted to remind you, that we have fallen in love with every project that we have ever attempted, and the problems were always staggering. Again and again I wake up in a cold sweat because our 'brain child' is going through production problems. Of course, it is probably just insomnia of an old man. On the other hand, only two years and eight months have passed since we received the order from the government to build the computer. It is simply not possible for our group, which consists not only of the seasoned gray-haired veterans, but the highly energetic educated youth, to fail our 'brain child.'
Someday, when we think of this moment, we won't believe that it really happened to us, but for now, all we need is this victory, just this one single victory, and we would gladly give up anything to achieve it.[8]
Kartsev's words became a living testament among specialists at the Institute that he had founded. He died on April 23, 1983. Rogachev succeeded Kartsev as the director of the Institute and completed the M-13 project; in 1984 it went into mass production.
[7] Author's Note: Kartsev was referring to the M-13.
[8] Translator's and Editor's note: This last sentence Kartsev quoted from Bulat Okudzhava's song, known by heart by most Soviet citizens and first heard in the 1970 film The Belorussian Railway Station [in Russian: Belorusskii Vokzal], directed by Andrei Smirnov and produced at the Mosfilm studios. It is an epic tale of victory at the end of the Second World War and wartime camaraderie. Kartsev, who had served as a tanker on the front lines in the Great Patriotic War, had been awarded a medal for bravery and the Red Star Order at age twenty for his heroism.