Dev Tools · 1h ago
FPGA recreation of F-14 Tomcat's pioneering MP944 chip powers 3D-printed model
An embedded systems expert recreated the US Navy's F-14 Tomcat's Central Air Data Computer (CADC) using an FPGA, including its MP944 chip often called the world's first microprocessor. The recreation is demonstrated in a scale 3D-printed model aircraft. This highlights retrocomputing and the historical significance of early microprocessors in military avionics.
Meridian48 take
While the MP944's 'first microprocessor' claim is debated, this FPGA recreation is a clever homage to a pioneering chip that predates the Intel 4004 in some respects.
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3D-printed F-14 Tomcat uses an FPGA recreation of the ‘world’s first microprocessor' — CADC’s MP944 chip controls the fighter’s swing-wing system, among other things →
Tom's Hardware
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