For an extended period, the Intel 4004 chip has been widely acknowledged as the globe's inaugural commercially viable microprocessor. Yet, the MP944 chip was actually deployed over a year ahead of the 4004. However, owing to its utilization in military contexts, it was shrouded in secrecy for nearly three decades. The MP944, which was crafted by a team of roughly 25 individuals, served as the linchpin of the Central Air Data Computer within the U.S. Navy's F-14 fighter jet. It was tasked with the real-time computation of flight parameters. In terms of performance, it outpaced the 4004 by a factor of eight, adhering to rigorous military standards and boasting continuous self-diagnostic functionalities.
