243 years ago for the first time used in combat submarine

September 7, 1776 for the first time took place combat use of the submarine. Sergeant Ezra Lee, using a single-seat apparatus "Turtle", owned by the Americans, attacked the British ship, trying to attach a mine to the Board. However, he was unable to make a hole in the ship, and he had to drop the explosive device, and go back.

In the height of the device reached 2 meters in length – 2.3 m width – 0.9 m. The design was shaped like a huge egg-shaped float, which was able to dive to a depth. To support the "Turtle" in an upright position, on the lower part of the hull fixed lead weight.

Miniature submarine built in 1775 in Connecticut. The author of the project was the school teacher David Bushnell.