Sir Richard Branson unveils underwater “plane” for deep sea tours

Adventure Sir Richard Branson has unveiled his new toy – an underwater “plane” for a voyage to the bottom of the sea.

Adventure Sir Richard Branson has unveiled his new toy – an underwater “plane” for a voyage to the bottom of the sea.

The Virgin Atlantic boss hopes the submarine with fighter jet technology will explore unchartered depths at 35,000ft.

The ยฃ415,000 carbon fibre prototype Necker Nymph will swoop 130ft under the surface but Sir Richard, 59, is building a stronger version to go deeper than any sub has ever been.

Sir Richard said: “It is very similar to an airplane flying in the sea. You can literally do loop-the-loops.”

It could eventually reach the Mariana Trench, believed to be the world’s lowest spot in the Pacific Ocean.

US company Hawkes built the 15ft “winged” sub which has three 360-degree view cockpits and is steered like a plane with a joystick.

Film director James Cameron used one of their subs to look for underwater inspiration for his 3D blockbuster Avatar.

Sir Richard – who last month unveiled the world’s first commercial spaceship – told The Sun the sub will be based at his private Necker Island.

He plans to use it to take tourists on underwater trips.

He said: “We hope to have submarines dotted throughout the world.

“A pressurised submarine is nearly completed. But the real challenge is to explore what’s going on at the bottom of the oceans.”

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

Share to...