David Bushnell

David Bushnell was an American inventor and engineer from the Revolutionary War era, best known for creating the first military submarine, the Turtle. Built in 1775, the Turtle was designed to penetrate British ships and disable them with explosives. Although it saw limited use, it demonstrated innovative underwater warfare technology. Bushnell's work laid foundational ideas for future submarines and underwater exploration. Beyond the Turtle, he also contributed to inventions like a rotating machine and a submarine-based mine. His pioneering efforts mark him as a key figure in military engineering and submarine development.