Submarines have come a long way since their inception, transforming from superficial underwater vessels to sophisticated machines capable of diving to incredible depths. However, the history of submarines goes back centuries and has its roots in the early modern era. In this article, we will delve into the history of submarines and explore some of the oldest submarines ever invented.
Their stories are a testament to human ingenuity and the determination to explore the unknown depths of the ocean. Whether you’re a history buff, a technology enthusiast, or just curious about the evolution of submarines, this article is a must-read. So buckle up and join us as we journey through time and discover the seven oldest submarines ever invented.
7. Ictineo II
Year Invented: 1865
Inventor: NarcÃs Monturiol
Capacity: 16 passengers
Maximum Depth: 98 ft.
photo source: Museu Maritim
Ictineo II was a pioneering submarine invented by the Spanish engineer NarcÃs Monturiol in 1865. It was one of the first submarines to be powered by an engine and was designed to operate both on the surface and underwater. Unlike other submarines of its time, Ictineo II was equipped with an air-independent propulsion system that allowed it to stay underwater for extended periods. Ictineo II was also unique because it was intended to be used for peaceful purposes, such as underwater exploration and scientific research.
Monturiol believed that submarines could be used for various practical applications, including mining, fishing, and even transportation. Despite its innovative design, Ictineo II was not a commercial success, and only a few prototypes were built. Nevertheless, the submarine remains an essential landmark in the history of submarines and is widely regarded as one of the first actual submarines.
Did You Know?
The submarine was built using iron and had a streamlined hull, which helped it to move through the water with greater ease.
6. Le Plongeur
Year Invented: 1864
Inventor: Siméon Bourgeois
Capacity: Unspecified
Maximum Depth: 33 ft.
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Le Plongeur, which translates to “The Diver,” was a pioneering submarine invented by the French engineer Siméon Bourgeois in 1864. It was one of the earliest submarines to be powered by an engine and was designed to operate both on the surface and underwater. Le Plongeur was equipped with a hand-cranked propeller and could dive to a depth of 33 feet. The submarine was built as part of a program to develop underwater technology for the French Navy.
Despite its relatively primitive design, Le Plongeur was a significant step forward in the evolution of submarines and marked the beginning of the modern era of underwater exploration. Le Plongeur demonstrated the feasibility of underwater propulsion and paved the way for further developments in the field of submarines. Its legacy is a testament to human ingenuity and the determination to explore the unknown depths of the ocean.
Did You Know?
The submarine was not a commercial success, and only a few prototypes were built, but it remains an essential landmark in the history of submarines. It is widely regarded as one of the first actual submarines.
5. CSS H.L. Hunley
Year Invented: 1863
Inventor: Horace Lawson Hunley
Capacity: 9 passengers
Maximum Depth: 30 ft.
photo source: Encyclopedia Britannica
The CSS H.L. Hunley was a Confederate submarine that played a crucial role in the American Civil War. Invented by Horace Lawson Hunley in 1863, the H.L. Hunley was the first submarine in history to sink an enemy warship successfully. The submarine was built in Mobile, Alabama, and was used by the Confederate Navy to attack Union blockades along the southern coast of the United States.
The H.L. Hunley was a hand-cranked submarine designed to dive and surface using ballast tanks. It was equipped with a spar torpedo used to attack enemy ships. Despite its success in sinking the USS Housatonic, the H.L. Hunley suffered several fatal accidents during its short operational career.
Did You Know?
The submarine disappeared after its final attack in 1864 and was not recovered until 1995.
4. Sea Devil
Year Invented: 1855
Inventor: Wilhelm Bauer
Capacity: 12 passengers
Maximum Depth: 50 ft.
photo source: joeccombs2nd
The Sea Devil was one of the earliest submarines in the world and was invented by the German engineer Wilhelm Bauer in 1855. It was a hand-cranked submarine that was capable of diving to a depth of 50 feet and was equipped with a torpedo for attacking enemy ships. Despite its primitive design, the Sea Devil was a significant step forward in developing submarines and marked the beginning of the modern era of underwater exploration.
The submarine demonstrated the feasibility of underwater propulsion and paved the way for further developments in the field of submarines. However, the Sea Devil was not a commercial success, and only a few prototypes were built. The Sea Devil remains an essential landmark in the history of submarines and is widely regarded as one of the first actual submarines. Its legacy is a testament to human ingenuity and the determination to explore the unknown depths of the ocean.
Did You Know?
The Sea Devil was designed to operate in shallow waters and was used by the Russian Navy during the Crimean War.
3. Nautilus
Year Invented: 1800
Inventor: Robert Fulton
Capacity: 10 passengers
Maximum Depth: 15 ft.
photo source: Wikipedia
The Nautilus, a submarine invented by American inventor and artist Robert Fulton in 1800, was a trailblazing vessel that marked the beginning of the modern era of underwater exploration. Despite its primitive design, it could dive to a depth of around 15 feet.
Although the Nautilus was not commercially successful, and only a few prototypes were built, it remains an essential landmark as the other submarines discussed. It stands as a testament to human ingenuity and determination to explore the depths of the ocean, and its impact can still be seen in the advanced submarines during its that are capable of diving to much greater depths.
Did You Know?
The submarine was propelled by a hand-cranked screw propeller.
2. Turtle
Year Invented: 1775
Inventor: David Bushnell
Capacity: 1 passenger
Maximum Depth: 20 ft.
photo source: Connecticut History
The Turtle was an early submarine invented in 1775 by American inventor David Bushnell. It was a one-man vessel that was designed to operate underwater. The Turtle was capable of diving to a maximum depth of 20 feet, making it one of the first submarines in the world that was capable of submerging to significant depths.
Despite its small size and limited passenger capacity, the Turtle was an innovative vessel ahead of its time. During the American Revolutionary War, the Turtle was used in an attempt to sink British warships, although the mission was ultimately unsuccessful. Despite this, the Turtle remains an essential landmark in the history of submarines and is widely regarded as one of the first submarines ever built.
Did You Know?
Like other early submarines, it was powered by a hand-cranked propeller.
1. Drebbel
Year Invented: 1620
Inventor: Cornelius Drebbel
Capacity: 16 passengers
Maximum Depth: 15 ft.
photo source: Quora
The Drebbel submarine, built in 1620 by Dutch inventor Cornelius Drebbel, is considered the oldest submarine ever built. This innovative vessel was designed to operate underwater and could dive to a maximum depth of 15 feet.
The Drebbel had a capacity for 16 passengers and was powered by rowing, making it one of the earliest submarines in the world. Despite its limited capabilities, the Drebbel was a revolutionary vessel that marked a significant milestone in the history of submarines.
Did You Know?
The Drebbel was used for military and scientific purposes and was also used to demonstrate the feasibility of underwater exploration.
