What was the first submarine?
The invention of the submarine has been attributed to various individuals over the centuries, with different perspectives on who can claim credit for the first submerged vessel. However, by studying the history of submarines and their development, it’s possible to identify a timeline of key milestones and achievements. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of submarine design and the evolution of the first submarine vessels, highlighting the most significant discoveries and innovations.
Ancient Civilizations and Submerged Vessels
One of the earliest known descriptions of a submerged vessel was found in ancient Mesopotamia, on an Assyrian stone monument known as the "Carchemish Monument," circa 800 BCE. The monument depicts a steered vessel capable of submerging and emerging from the water_, with a hull containing a crew and various machines.** This could indicate that ancient civilizations understood the concept of buoyancy and were experimenting with floating hulls, which is still a fundamental principle in submarine design.
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Closed-Circuit and Crewed Submarines in the 17th-18th Centuries
Throughout history, inventors and military strategists have made sporadic attempts to develop reliable and functional submarines. Notable examples include:
• William Bourne (1559) – An English mathematician and cartographer who envisioned a ballistae-powered submersible capable of staying underwater for several days.
• Andrea P. Corallini (1657) – An Italian architect and engineer who designed a submersible device powered by sail and oars, featuring a semi-globe-shaped hull.
• Maximilianus (1690) – An Austrian engineer who experimented with a series of submersible cylinders filled with air able to stay underwater for longer periods.
American and French Inventors in the 19th Century
The 19th century saw significant advancements in submarine design, particularly from inventors in the United States and France:
• David Bushnell’s Turtle (1776) – A semi-circular, hand-cranked vessel designed during the American Revolutionary War for navigating underwater and placing explosive devices on enemy ships. This experimental craft is often considered the precursor** to modern submarine warfare.
• Eugène Pirard and the French Submarine Commission (1831-1832) – Comprising French inventors Pirard, Saint-Ollivier, and Rouquayrol, their work led to the design of early open-circuit submersible vessels, often mistakenly attributed to individual "patent" inventors.
• Denis Papin and Claude-Louis Navier’s Submarine (1884) – French engineers Papin and Navier developed a fully encapsulated, air-injected submarine that made attempts to dive to depth under its own power. They achieved a maximum depth of 35.5 meters (117.1 feet), surpassing earlier achievements.
The “Real” First Submarine
According to historical records and multiple assessments, the first genuine submarine is commonly referred to as the CSS Holland (SS-1), built in the United States and deployed in 1917**, during World War I.
• CSS Holland (SS-1): Designed by inventor Holland Torpedo Boat Company founder, John Philip Holland. This U-boats-inspired, partially double-hull submarine weighed over 1,900 kilograms (4,200 lbs) and was able to stay submerged for hours with a crew of eight, making it the world’s first operational, steam-propelled, diesel-powered military submarine**.
Other noteworthy milestones include:
| Table: Notable Milestones in Submarine Design | Year | Name/Description | Achievement/ Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1785 | William Fulton (USA) | Successful unmanned, hand-cranked submersible trial. | |
| 1846 | Julius Krupp (USA) | First American to submit a submarine design with compressed air. | |
| 1849 | Wilhelm Bauer (Germany) | First German submarine, the Bäuerlein, attempts but fails to dive**. |
Conclusion**
The development of submarines over the centuries is characterized by a series of iterative advances, with multiple contributors often working in relative obscurity. While some attribute **_the first submarine to David Bushnell_ (1776), who devised the Turtle**, other factors, such as William Fulton’s unmanned trial or Henri Fourès’ successful self-propelled vessel in **1859**, raise controversies. Ultimately, John Holland’s CSS Holland (SS-1) of **1917** represents **_the first credible_, **_fully functional military submarine_** to exist**.
This evolution exemplifies the complexities surrounding “firsts” and inventions, highlighting the shared goals and innovations that **submarine design** and experimental engineering have witnessed since their inception.
