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Richard Branson introduces Necker Nymph: Aviation Under the Sea

Besides getting into space tourism, the head of Virgin Atlantic, Richard Branson, is also delving into the business of underwater tourism.
Credit:   PR Newswire
Necker Nymph, a DeepFlight three-person aero submarine
PR Newswire  |  Introducing Necker Nymph: Aviation Under the Sea    |   10-24-2011
On January 29, 2010, he announced that a prototype submersible airplane has been built called the Necker Nymph.

Designed and built by renowned engineer, Graham Hawkes, of Hawkes Ocean Technologies, Necker Nymph represents a new class of high-performance, positively buoyant vehicles which safely extend the overall capabilities of scuba, while offering the unique experience of underwater flight.

Unlike all conventional subs which use ballast to sink in the water, Necker Nymph uses downward 'lift' on the wings to fly down to depth.

Available either when chartering Necker Belle, the luxury 105 foot catamaran, or when staying on Necker Island, underwater flight on Necker Nymph takes exploration to another level. Gliding on the water's surface like an aeroplane on a runway, one of the three pilots will operate the joystick to smoothly dive down, and the thrilling experience begins. Uncover ancient shipwrecks, fly side-by-side with dolphins, or spyhop with whales; the options are endless.

With the flexibility to glide peacefully over glorious reefs or bank adventurously in 360 degree turns, the sub is hydrobatic. Individual "wind shields" remove the pressure of slipstream, enabling comfortable speed and ranges previously unthinkable without enclosing the pilots. The open cockpits afford near ideal 360 degree viewing for occupants, creating a uniquely open experience. Dives can last up to two hours.

Guests follow standard scuba procedures and will be trained/accompanied by a certified Necker Nymph pilot.

Importantly, like all DeepFlight subs, Necker Nymph has near-zero environmental impact. Its positive buoyancy prevents the sub from landing on a reef, and its low light and noise emissions ensure the fragile ocean ecosystems remain undisturbed.

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