The Evolution of Submarines: From the Turtle to the USS Pennsylvania

🐢The Turtle, the world's first war submarine, was a small wooden sphere operated by a single person.

⚙️Key innovations in submarine technology, such as the use of iron hoops and tar to seal the hull, allowed submarines to grow in size.

🔬The spa torpedo, a barrel of gunpowder attached to a spiked pole, was a major advancement in underwater weaponry.

⚡Electrolysis is used on modern submarines to split seawater into oxygen and hydrogen, providing a constant supply of air.

🦈Controlled fins, inspired by fish fins, allow submarines to maneuver and control their depth with precision.

What was the purpose of the Turtle?

—The Turtle was designed to attack enemy ships by attaching a bomb to their hulls. It was the world's first war submarine.

How do modern submarines generate air underwater?

—Modern submarines use electrolysis to split seawater into oxygen and hydrogen, providing a constant supply of air for the crew.

How do submarines control their depth?

—Submarines control their depth using controlled fins, which generate varying amounts of pressure to control the pitch of the submarine.

What advancements allowed submarines to grow in size?

—Key advancements such as the use of iron hoops and tar to seal the hulls allowed submarines to be built larger and stronger.

What is the most powerful submarine in the US Navy?

—The USS Pennsylvania is considered one of the most powerful submarines in the US Navy. It is capable of staying submerged for months at a time.

00:00Introduction to the evolution of submarines

00:46The Turtle, the world's first war submarine

02:58Key innovations in submarine technology

08:50The spa torpedo and underwater weaponry

10:57Modern submarine's air supply through electrolysis

13:29Controlling depth through controlled fins