The submarine designed by Isaac Peral, named 'Plongeur', represents a monumental leap in naval engineering during the late 19th century. Launched in 1888, this vessel was constructed in Spain under the auspices of the Spanish Navy. Peral, an inventor and military man, had a clear vision to create a submersible craft that could provide tactical advantages in naval conflicts. The submarine measured approximately 14 meters in length and was powered by electric batteries, enabling it to move silently beneath the waves. Peral’s design also included a torpedo launching mechanism, allowing the submarine to serve as an offensive weapon against enemy ships.

On September 8, 1888, Peral conducted the inaugural tests of his submarine in the Bay of Cádiz. The demonstrations attracted attention from military officials and the public alike. During the trial, the submarine successfully submerged for the first time, and after a short period beneath the surface, it re-emerged, confirming the effectiveness of its design. This initial success was met with enthusiasm and optimism regarding the potential applications of submarines in modern warfare.

Despite the excitement generated by the test, the project faced numerous challenges. Political and military bureaucracies questioned the utility and funding of such innovations. Ultimately, the Spanish Navy opted to discontinue development due to a lack of interest in submarine warfare, limiting Peral’s submarine aspirations. Nevertheless, his pioneering work laid foundational concepts for future underwater vessels and technologies, influencing later developments in submarine design worldwide.