April 22

Events - Science & Technology

1944day.year

The 1st Air Commando Group using Sikorsky R-4 helicopters stage the first use of helicopters in combat with combat search and rescue operations in the China Burma India Theater.

In 1944, the U.S. 1st Air Commando Group pioneered the first combat deployment of helicopters in rescue and support missions in the China-Burma-India Theater.
On April 22, 1944, the 1st Air Commando Group deployed Sikorsky R-4 helicopters for combat search and rescue in Myanmar (then Burma). These rotary-wing aircraft rescued downed airmen and delivered supplies to forward units in dense jungle terrain. The innovative use of helicopters revolutionized battlefield mobility and shaped future military aviation. Prior to this, rotary flight had been largely experimental and non-combat oriented. The R-4s demonstrated their capability to hover, land in confined areas, and evacuate casualties under fire. The success of this operation spurred further development of helicopter tactics and design. Today’s modern combat search-and-rescue missions trace their roots to these pioneering efforts.
1944 1st Air Commando Group Sikorsky R-4 combat combat search and rescue China Burma India Theater
1977day.year

Optical fiber is first used to carry live telephone traffic.

Optical fiber technology was first used to carry live telephone traffic.
On April 22, 1977, optical fiber was employed for the first time to transmit live telephone communications. Developed through advances in glass purity and low-loss transmission, fiber optics revolutionized telecommunications. This milestone enabled higher bandwidths, longer distance transmission, and clearer signals than copper lines. Fiber networks have since become the backbone of global internet and communication systems. The success of this demonstration paved the way for modern high-speed broadband infrastructure.
1977 Optical fiber