3D-Printed F-14 Tomcat Uses FPGA Recreation of the First Microprocessor to Control Swing Wing

As Tom’s Hardware reports (https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/cpus/3d-printed-f-14-tomcat-uses-an-fpga-recreation-of-the-worlds-first-microprocessor-cadcs-mp944-chip-controls-the-fighters-swing-wing-system-among-other-things), an FPGA and embedded systems specialist has recreated the Central Air Data Computer (CADC) of the legendary US Navy F-14 Tomcat in an FPGA. This FPGA design is based on the MP944 chip, which is considered the world’s first microprocessor and was originally developed in the 1970s by the Computer Aided Design Corporation (CADC).

Recreation of the CADC in a 3D-Printed Model

The recreation was integrated into a scale-accurate, 3D-printed model of the F-14 Tomcat. The FPGA takes over the control of the aircraft’s characteristic swing wing, one of the most complex mechanical functions of the original. In addition to wing control, the FPGA also simulates other tasks of the CADC that are crucial for flight attitude and aerodynamic data processing.

Technical Significance of the MP944 Chip

The MP944 was one of the first microprocessors specifically developed for military avionics applications. It was not only a pioneer in microprocessor technology but also an early example of integrating computing power into aircraft systems. The FPGA recreation allows this historic technology to be experienced and understood in a modern form.

Why This Matters

The implementation impressively demonstrates how modern FPGA technology can be used to recreate historical hardware and demonstrate its functionality. For technology enthusiasts and historians, the project offers a unique opportunity to trace the development of microprocessors and their impact on aviation technology. Furthermore, it highlights the flexibility of FPGAs as a platform for emulating complex systems, which is also of great value in research and education.

Potential for Future Applications

The combination of 3D printing and FPGA emulation could increasingly be used in the future to reconstruct historical or hard-to-access hardware in model form. This opens new avenues for education, museum presentations, and technical analyses. Additionally, the project shows how modern hardware development and simulation can be combined to keep technical milestones alive.

Overall, the FPGA recreation of the CADC of the F-14 Tomcat represents a remarkable example of the connection between history, technology, and modern hardware development.