1946 Computing & Technology Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1946 Computing & Technology Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 01 Jan ENIAC Computer Completed: The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) was completed on January 1, 1946. It is considered one of the first general-purpose electronic digital computers. ENIAC was developed by John W. Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert and marked a significant advancement in computing technology. source: britannica.com
- 19 Jan Bell X-1 first launch: The Bell X-1, a rocket-powered aircraft, made its first flight on January 19, 1946. This aircraft was significant for its role in breaking the sound barrier, which it achieved later in 1947, marking a milestone in aviation history. source: nasa.gov
- 29 Jan ENIAC computer unveiled: The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) was unveiled on January 29, 1946, at the University of Pennsylvania. It was one of the first general-purpose electronic digital computers, marking a significant milestone in the field of computing. source: britannica.com
- 13 Feb ENIAC: First general-purpose electronic computer announced: On February 13, 1946, the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC), the first general-purpose electronic computer, was announced. Designed by John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert, ENIAC was capable of performing 5,000 additions per second and weighed 30 tons. source: britannica.com
- 14 Feb ENIAC: First general-purpose electronic computer unveiled: The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) was unveiled on February 14, 1946. It is recognized as the first general-purpose electronic computer, capable of being programmed to solve a wide range of problems. ENIAC marked a significant milestone in the history of computing and technology. source: britannica.com
- 16 Feb First commercially-designed helicopter test: The first commercially-designed helicopter was tested on February 16, 1946, marking a significant milestone in aviation history. This event contributed to the development of helicopter technology and its applications in various fields. source: britannica.com
- 16 Apr First US V-2 rocket launch: The United States conducted its first V-2 rocket launch, utilizing German scientists and technology obtained after World War II to advance its missile program. source: history.com
- 17 Jun First mobile telephone commercial service in USA: On June 17, 1946, the first commercial mobile telephone service was launched in the United States by AT&T. This service allowed users to make calls from their cars, marking a significant advancement in telecommunications technology. source: britannica.com
- 01 Jul Operation Crossroads: Atomic Bomb Test: Operation Crossroads was a series of nuclear weapon tests conducted by the United States at Bikini Atoll in the Pacific Ocean in 1946. The tests aimed to investigate the effects of nuclear explosions on naval ships and equipment. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 07 Jul Howard Hughes' Dramatic Aircraft Crash: On July 7, 1946, Howard Hughes crashed the XF-11 reconnaissance aircraft in Beverly Hills, California, sustaining serious injuries. source: pbs.org
- 22 Jul First underwater nuclear weapon test conducted: On July 22, 1946, the United States conducted the first underwater nuclear weapon test, known as Operation Crossroads. The test aimed to assess the effects of nuclear explosions on naval vessels and equipment, marking a significant milestone in nuclear weapons testing. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 02 Aug Operation Remote: Pioneering Radio-Controlled Flight: The United States Army successfully conducted the 'Operation Remote' experiment, where two unmanned B-17 bombers were piloted entirely by radio control, flying an impressive 2,174 miles from Hawaii to California and demonstrating advanced aviation technology.
- 06 Aug First successful radio-controlled long-distance aircraft flight: On August 6, 1946, the first successful flight of a radio-controlled long-distance aircraft took place, marking a significant advancement in aviation technology. This event demonstrated the potential for remote-controlled flight, paving the way for future developments in both military and civilian aviation. source: britannica.com
- 08 Aug First flight of the Convair B-36 Peacemaker: On August 8, 1946, the Convair B-36 Peacemaker, a strategic bomber, made its first flight. This aircraft was notable for its size and range, representing a significant advancement in military aviation during the post-World War II era. source: britannica.com
- 03 Sep Project Paperclip: U.S. recruits German scientists: On September 3, 1946, the United States initiated Project Paperclip, a program to recruit German scientists, engineers, and technicians after World War II. This effort aimed to leverage their expertise for American military and technological advancements. source: archives.gov
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