Danny Cohen: The Father of Networked Flight Simulators and Real-Time Computing

While names like Vinton Cerf and Robert Kahn often dominate conversations about the birth and development of the internet, lesser-known but equally significant contributors like Danny Cohen have played pivotal roles in shaping the digital world as we know it today. Born in 1937 in Haifa, which was then part of British-ruled Palestine, Cohen’s early life was steeped in adversity, including the struggles associated with the establishment of Israel. Overcoming these challenges, he would eventually journey to America to make his indelible mark on the world of computer science.

Cohen pursued a degree in mathematics at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, foreshadowing his lifelong dedication to academic rigor. Arriving in the United States for further studies, he earned a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Harvard University, immediately diving into complex and ambitious research endeavors. In many ways, his scientific interests were eclectic, but they would always find their grounding in real-time computing and network protocols.

Danny Cohen’s work in the 1970s was revolutionary, particularly his involvement in the creation of the first real-time, networked flight simulator. He proved that it was possible for pilots in different physical locations to experience a coordinated, real-time simulation, a leap forward that significantly impacted both military training and civil aviation. What’s remarkable is that this was done at a time when the idea of networking computers was itself a groundbreaking concept. Cohen was able to see beyond the limitations of his era, envisioning applications for computer networks that few others had considered.

His contributions to the realm of real-time computing cannot be overstated. Cohen’s seminal paper, “On Holy Wars and a Plea for Peace,” laid out the foundational concepts for what we now know as “endian-ness,” or the byte order used in computing. Although it might sound like a trivial matter to the layperson, this was a core issue for the development of network protocols, and resolving it had profound implications for the development of interoperable systems.

But it wasn’t just the technology that set Cohen apart; it was also his unique approach to problem-solving. He was a great proponent of what we now call “cross-disciplinary research,” bringing together disparate fields like computer science, psychology, and aviation to create more comprehensive solutions. His interdisciplinary approach was perhaps best showcased in the DARPA Strategic Computing Initiative, where he collaborated with engineers, psychologists, and neuroscientists to explore the intersection of human cognition and computing.

Cohen’s accolades and honors are numerous, but one of the most telling aspects of his career is his prolific mentorship. He not only contributed to foundational technologies but also inspired a new generation of researchers and engineers. Many of his proteges have gone on to become influential figures in technology and academia, a living testament to Cohen’s enduring impact on the field.

The genius of Danny Cohen lay in his ability to transcend the technical minutiae and grasp the bigger picture. He was not merely an engineer or a scientist; he was a visionary who understood how pieces fit together to create a more complete, nuanced landscape. Although he passed away in 2019, his influence reverberates through the corridors of computer science departments, military training programs, and aerospace initiatives.

In an age where the boundaries between disciplines are becoming increasingly fluid, Danny Cohen’s legacy serves as an enduring reminder of how the most groundbreaking innovations often arise from the intersection of seemingly unrelated fields. His work continues to serve as a cornerstone in the ongoing narrative of the internet and real-time computing, a narrative that is as multi-faceted and complex as Cohen himself. And so, as we navigate the intricacies of a world increasingly dependent on real-time, interconnected systems, the pioneering contributions of Danny Cohen remain an integral part of the foundation upon which we continue to build.

While names like Vinton Cerf and Robert Kahn often dominate conversations about the birth and development of the internet, lesser-known but equally significant contributors like Danny Cohen have played pivotal roles in shaping the digital world as we know it today. Born in 1937 in Haifa, which was then part of British-ruled Palestine, Cohen’s early…