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

F-14 Tomcat.

FPGA and embedded systems expert Adam Taylor has recreated the U.S. Navy’s F-14 Tomcat’s Central Air Data Computer (CADC) in an FPGA. The CADC is famous for being the brains behind the F14’s advanced fighter capabilities including the control of the aircraft’s signature articulated sweep-wing system. So, what better way to test the new FPGA than in a 3D printed scale model of the F-14 Tomcat? Check out the video embedded below.

Fridays are for demos. We recreated the F14 CADC, it seemed only right we could test it with the actual swing wing feature. So we created a 3D printed F14 its first test. https://t.co/UUvebMIXei pic.twitter.com/3Mfcvo7PnqJuly 24, 2026