1001 Space Earth Nature History Human World Science and Technology Chemistry Materials Force and Energy Heat and Light Electricity and Magnetism Industry Machines Electronics and Computers Cars and Trucks Railways Ships Aircraft Fishing and Agriculture Undersea Exploration

Who invented the submarine? The submarine took many years to perfect, with each new stage being an improvement on the last. The first attempt was made in the 1620s by a Dutchman, Cornelius Van Drebel, who built a wooden shell covered with greased leather and propelled by oars. The next successful craft, called the Turtle, was constructed in 1776 by an American, David Bushnell. It was built so that explosives could be planted under enemy ships. In about 1800, Robert Fulton built a functional all-iron submarine. A submarine   Previous: Back Book: 1001 Section: Science and Technology Chapter: Undersea Exploration