There’s no denying that Alabama is responsible for many inventions, including the Super Soaker. The Super Soaker is a toy water gun that was invented by Alabamian Lonnie Johnson. To learn all about Lonnie Johnson and his famous Super Soaker, take a look below.
Lonnie Johnson, a rocket scientist, was born in Mobile, Alabama in 1949 and was always interested in science and technology when growing up. While in high school, Mr. Johnson built a remote control robot to enter in the science fair.
flickr/Emily Following high school, he graduated from Tuskegee University with bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1973, and a master’s degree in nuclear engineering two years later.
Mr. Johnson is best known for inventing the world-famous Super Soaker water gun, which was originally called “Power Drencher.” The prototype for this water gun consisted of a used soda bottle, plastic tubing, and duct tape.
youtube/CBS Sunday Morning After the idea came about, it took approximately ten years for the Super Soaker to be successful. Once it hit shelves in the early 1990s, it quickly became the world’s best-selling toy. Today, it’s made more than $1 billion in sales.
What surprises most people is that the Super Soaker was invented by accident. Lonnie Johnson was actually working on a space mission invention at the time.
flickr/Kelly Michals While working on this space-related invention, he got the idea for his famous water gun. Mr. Johnson currently has more than 100 patents to his name.
Because the Super Soaker has been such a successful invention, a variety of designs have been manufactured.
flickr/Graham Dean With that being said, it’s original design can’t be beat! In addition to the Super Soaker, Mr. Johnson has also developed NERF Guns.
The greatest thing about Super Soakers is that they’re loved by all ages.
flickr/David Geitgey Sierralupe So, whether you’re a child or a parent, you’ll have loads of fun with this iconic water gun.
Watch the video below to learn more about Lonnie Johnson and the Super Soaker.
flickr/Emily
Following high school, he graduated from Tuskegee University with bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1973, and a master’s degree in nuclear engineering two years later.
youtube/CBS Sunday Morning
After the idea came about, it took approximately ten years for the Super Soaker to be successful. Once it hit shelves in the early 1990s, it quickly became the world’s best-selling toy. Today, it’s made more than $1 billion in sales.
flickr/Kelly Michals
While working on this space-related invention, he got the idea for his famous water gun. Mr. Johnson currently has more than 100 patents to his name.
flickr/Graham Dean
With that being said, it’s original design can’t be beat! In addition to the Super Soaker, Mr. Johnson has also developed NERF Guns.
flickr/David Geitgey Sierralupe
So, whether you’re a child or a parent, you’ll have loads of fun with this iconic water gun.
Did you already know that the Super Soaker was invented by Alabamian Lonnie Johnson? Let us know in the comments below.
For a list of other Alabama inventions, be sure to take a look at the following article: 9 Incredible Inventions The World Can Thank Alabama For.
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