- 
  
   May 15,1940 The Vought-Sikorsky corporation successfully flight-tests the first working helicopter. May 15,1940 The Vought-Sikorsky corporation successfully flight-tests the first working helicopter.
- 
  
   The Atanasoff Berry Computer (ABC) is the first prototype digital computer. Built at Iowa State University, it was built by a physics professor. Sadly, it does not work. The Atanasoff Berry Computer (ABC) is the first prototype digital computer. Built at Iowa State University, it was built by a physics professor. Sadly, it does not work.
- 
  
   in 1942, The first American jet aircraft, the Bell P59-A is tested at Muroc Army Base in California. It was built for WW2, and was a single seat, twin engine fighter aircraft. in 1942, The first American jet aircraft, the Bell P59-A is tested at Muroc Army Base in California. It was built for WW2, and was a single seat, twin engine fighter aircraft.
- 
  
   In Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the secret Manhattan Project laboratory produces a few milligrams of plutonium, the radioactive substance needed to make an atomic bomb. In Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the secret Manhattan Project laboratory produces a few milligrams of plutonium, the radioactive substance needed to make an atomic bomb.
- 
  
   The "camera-and-film" system is invented by Edwin Land. It later goes on sale as the Polaroid Land Camera, the first camera to develop its own photographs. The "camera-and-film" system is invented by Edwin Land. It later goes on sale as the Polaroid Land Camera, the first camera to develop its own photographs.