Designed by Robert Fulton, the weapon that was tested in the Seine in 1801 was the submarine known as Nautilus. This groundbreaking invention marked a significant milestone in naval warfare and underwater exploration.

Robert Fulton, an American engineer and inventor, is best known for his contributions to the development of steam-powered ships. However, his work on submarines was equally remarkable. The Nautilus was the first practical submarine capable of carrying out military operations.

The Nautilus was a 21-foot-long vessel made of copper and powered by a hand-cranked propeller. Its design allowed it to submerge, resurface, and navigate underwater. This was achieved through the use of ballast tanks that could be filled with water to submerge or emptied to rise to the surface.

In 1801, Fulton conducted the first successful test of the Nautilus in the Seine River in France. The submarine remained submerged for several hours, proving its ability to operate underwater effectively. This test marked the beginning of a new era in naval warfare and demonstrated the potential for submarines to play a significant role in future conflicts.

Although the Nautilus was not immediately adopted by any navy, Fulton's successful demonstration caught the attention of the French government. They recognized the strategic advantage that submarines could provide and commissioned Fulton to build additional submarines for their navy.

Over the years, submarine technology has advanced significantly, and these vessels have become an integral part of modern naval forces. They are now used for a variety of purposes, including intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and defense.

Robert Fulton's Nautilus paved the way for the development of modern submarines. Its successful test in the Seine River in 1801 demonstrated the feasibility of underwater navigation and warfare. Today, submarines are not only used by navies worldwide but also have a significant role in scientific research and exploration of the depths of our oceans.

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