Turtle - The First Combat Submersible

Turtle was the first documented combat submersible, built in 1775 by American inventor David Bushnell. The vessel was designed for one operator and was intended to approach enemy ships underwater and attach a timed explosive charge to the hull.

Historical Background

Turtle was created during the American Revolutionary War as an experimental underwater attack craft.

On September 7, 1776, it made an attempt to attack the British ship HMS Eagle in New York Harbor.

The attack failed, but the submarine demonstrated the potential of underwater warfare and became a key step in the development of submarine technology.

Design and Features

The hull shape resembled two joined turtle shells, which is how the submarine got its name.

Turtle had hand-powered propulsion using an early screw propeller.

Submerging and surfacing were controlled by pumping water into and out of the ballast tank.

A heavy safety weight (drop weight) was mounted under the submarine. It could be released in an emerge