Feb 02 2010
Tech Trends | Forget Space, Now We Have Virgin Underwater Plane
Tech
Trends
Richard Branson isn’t just looking to space as the last frontier, as his latest venture and cool idea is being expressed through what he is looking at as an underwater plane, where he eventually wants to be able to develop it so it can go to depths of 35,000 feet.
For now he’ll have to settle for a little less, as the billionaire will only be able to offer rides of up to 130 feet down on what he is calling the Necker Nymph.
The Necker part of the name is related to the island he owns called Necker Island.
At this time the submersible can take a pilot and two guest for a two-hour ride. All you need to throw down is $25,000 for a week of its use. Oh yeah, that’s after you pay at least $88,000 for a similar stay on his catamaran, aptly named, the Necker Belle.
Talk about the ultimate gamers’ toy. While it is built with similar technology of a fighter jet, you can maneuver the underwater plane with a joystick. You need to be trained for that? I know. I know. It’s dangerous underwater. But is funny to think of a joystick as the tool used to drive the underwater toy.
Marketing manager Karen Hawkes, said: “The Nymph is an entirely new class of vehicle for us - think of a sleek convertible under water. It is different from our other submersibles because it was specifically designed to dive to scuba depths in tropical waters.
“It has the flexibility to glide peacefully over glorious reefs or bank adventurously in 360 degree turns.”
One unique aspect of the sub which offers a great experience for the users is there is an open cockpit which allows great views on all sides while traveling in the seas.
The adventure will begin on February 20 when the first sub is delivered to the billionaire rascal.
Tech Trends
