First submarine.

[JohnDLittlefield]

The Confederates were aware of the Ictineo. The designer, Monturiol, developed a range of devices for salvage and war. His use of chemical propulsion is very interesting as it might have been used for self-propelled torpedoes. A vessel using similar propulsion would have been built of iron because his wooden hulls could not handle the heat from the chemical reaction. A good book on the subject is "Monturiol's Dream".

I have not read that book, but now have it on my list to buy. Thanks.

 

[USS ALASKA]

Plongeur, the first submarine to be propelled by mechanical power, was launched in 1863. The first submarine that was powered by combustion, Ictíneo II, was launched in 1864. The Sub Marine Explorer dove, cruised underwater, and resurface under the control of the crew in 1866. Resurgam II, a steam powered submarine, was launched in 1879. Holland's Fenian Ram was built when it was due to him being unable to get financing for prototypes prior to that time. The Nordenfelt I in 1885.
196

Cheers,
USS ALASKA

 

[Rhea Cole]

Reproduction of Bushnell's Turtle Constructed Using Period Tools & Techniques.

I love participating in living history & experimental archeology. There is absolutely no way to profoundly understand how things were done without the laying on of hands. That being said, actually boarding the Turtle & trying it out is a line I, for one, would not cross. Hazzah! for those who did!

Link:

BUSHNELL TURTLE SUBMARINE — Handshouse Studio

www.handshouse.org

 

[rebelatsea]

The builders of the Hunley were also aware of the first battery-powered locomotive developed by Scottish Engineer Robert Davinson in 1842. His Galvani locomotive was a zinc-battery-powered vehicle that demonstrated the practical application of Faraday's law as a source of electrical power for machinery. They attempted to produce an electric motor For the Hunley but Davinson's motor was too big to fit,the galvanic cells would have occupied too much space and gave off poisonous vapour. The better lead acid battery was also known at modern this time but suffered from the same defects. It is often forgotten that even "sealed" lead acid batteries such as car batteries have to be vented. (although they don't catch fire spontaneously).