It is difficult to overestimate the contribution of Ukrainian scientists, as their research has laid the groundwork for the development of certain types of modern electronics and technology. Find out more about the inventions of Ukrainian scientists that have changed the world forever
Ukrainian developers have made a significant contribution to the international scientific community. Indeed, dozens of their inventions of the past centuries are still actively used around the world. We have compiled a selection of the most interesting developments by Ukrainian scientists that have influenced the development of technological progress.
The world's first submarine, the Chaika
It was the Ukrainian Cossacks who were the first to create and use a submarine. French and English historians have confirmed that the Chaika struck fear throughout the Black Sea. Not a single powerful ship felt safe next to the Cossack boat.
Technically, it was a vessel up to 4 metres high and wide, and about 18 metres long. The boat was made of a strong hollowed-out log, and the sides were usually upholstered with pine.
Electric tram
Ukrainian scientist Fedir Perotskyi was the founder of the electrified system. For the first time, the invention was introduced in 1880, when the inventor connected an electric current to the rails in front of a large audience, through which electricity was transmitted to the tram motor. On that day, a double-decker horse-drawn carriage with 40 passenger seats moved off the ground and accelerated to a speed of 12 km/h.
The demonstration of the world's first electric tram caused a strong reaction and became a real sensation. However, the development could not compete with the owners of horse-drawn trams, who advocated the "usual" way of travelling. So Perotsky decided to announce his invention in a magazine for engineers, which later bore fruit. Thus, the electrified system was introduced into everyday life together with Carl Heinrich von Siemens.
Today, the tram is considered the most environmentally friendly public transport in the world.
The first prototype of the alarm system
Modern alarms are significantly different from the system introduced back in the Zaporizhzhya Sich, but it was the Ukrainian development that became the basis for the further development of this industry.
For example, the Cossacks created a special system of towers that were placed on the highest points of the relief. In the event of enemy attack, the watchman on duty would light a fire, which would signal the alarm to the next tower in the chain. In this way, the signal of danger was quickly transmitted between the comrades.
Visit Ukraine on social media: Telegram | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok
An X-ray machine
Ukrainian scientist Ivan Puluj was the first to develop an X-ray tube, which is the prototype of modern X-rays. This happened 14 years before Roentgen Wilhelm announced a similar device to the world. However, because Puluj did not patent his development, the scientist did not become the official inventor of X-rays.
Nevertheless, the international community has repeatedly confirmed that it was the Ukrainian who initiated the development of this crucial field. In particular, Albert Einstein expressed a similar opinion.
Ecological fuel for cars
A device that converts wood waste into environmentally friendly fuel was created by a modern Ukrainian engineer, Volodymyr Melnikov. The man shared his development on social media, and within a few hours, he was approached by buyers from European countries. The first customers were Germany, Poland and Lithuania.
Volodymyr was prompted to create this device by the need to dispose of the waste that remained after wood processing at his own sawmill. However, he did not expect such a success.
Today, his briquette fuel is used by many businesses, including supermarket chains in Germany.
The first rocket engine
All modern rockets get off the ground thanks to Ukrainian inventor Serhiy Korolev. Today, he is known as the founder of cosmonautics, as it was his developments that launched the first intercontinental ballistic missile and the first artificial satellite. In addition, the first human space flight took place under his direct supervision.
It is also interesting that Korolev developed the first rocket engine despite constant repression by the Soviet authorities and mockery by functionaries.
Helicopter
In 1931, Ukrainian Igor Sikorsky invented and patented the world's first helicopter. Today, the National Technical University of Ukraine (KPI) is named after the aircraft designer.
The first prototype had an open cockpit, a belt drive and a Franklin engine. Already in 1940, Sikorsky was able to lift the machine with propellers into the air and make a controlled flight.
The first customer was the United States of America, which purchased Sikorsky helicopters to arm its army. Later, the Ukrainian developer became the owner of a powerful concern.
Seawater desalination technology
You may be interested in:
Visit Ukraine Donation - make a good deed and an important contribution to the Victory of Ukraine;
Visit Ukraine Tours - the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;
Visit Ukraine Merch - choose patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery;
Visit Ukraine News - get the latest news and updates in our Telegram channel;
Cooperation - cooperation and advertising integrations with Visit Ukraine and Visit World projects.
Recommended articles
1 min
PopularThe Armed Forces, the President, or the Media: who do Ukrainians trust most?
The issue of public trust in various institutions and authorities is an important and relevant one in Ukraine's political discourse. Find out more about who Ukrainians trust the most
18 May. 2023
More details3 min
Way to VictoryHow the portrait of Ukrainians has changed during the war: research results
War makes people look at the world differently, change their priorities and find new meanings. Find out more about the changes that have taken place in Ukrainian society and how the full-scale invasion has affected people's worldview
19 May. 2023
More details3 min
PopularThe Ukrainian labour market has been heavily affected by the war. Find out more about the most popular vacancies and the nuances of job search during the war
19 May. 2023
More details2 min
WarUkrainian cities completely destroyed by the russian army
Today the true face of the "russian peace" is very clear. In more than a year of war, the rf army has inflicted many mutilations on our country. Find out more about which cities the occupiers have mercilessly wiped off the face of the Еarth
26 Oct. 2024
More details