_images_(45)_number_35_Early_submarine.jpg) | |
| History | |
|---|---|
 United States | |
| Name | Holland Boat No. I |
| Namesake | John Philip Holland |
| Launched | 22 May 1878 |
| Fate |
|
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Submarine |
| Displacement | 2.25long tons (2 t) |
| Length | 14 ft (4.3 m) |
| Beam | 3 ft (0.91 m) |
| Propulsion |
|
| Speed |
|
| Endurance | 1 hour |
| Test depth | 12 ft (3.7 m) |
| Crew | 1 |
Holland Boat No. I was a prototype submarine designed and operated by Irish marine engineerJohn Philip Holland.
Work on the vessel began at the Albany Iron Works inNew York City, moving toPaterson, New Jersey, in early 1878. The boat was launched on 22 May 1878. It was 14 feet long, weighed 2.25 tons, and was powered by a 4-horsepowerBrayton Ready Motorpetroleum engine driving a single screw. The boat was operated by Holland himself.[1]
After several tests, on 6 June Holland conducted his first proper trial. The boat ran on the surface at approximately 3.5 knots, then submerged to a depth of 12 feet, before eventually surfacing. However, problems with the engine, meant that Holland eventually connected the engine, by a flexible hose, to a steam engine in an accompanying launch and powered the boat externally. In a second trial, Holland remained submerged for an hour. Holland eventually stripped the boat of usable equipment and scuttled it in thePassaic River.[1]
These trials impressed Holland's backers, theFenian Brotherhood,[2] who on the strength of this success financed theHolland Boat No. II, which became known as theFenian Ram.[1]
The vessel was recovered in 1927 and is now on display at thePaterson Museum in New Jersey.[2]
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