MSN NZ Travel staff
UK billionaire Sir Richard Branson has unveiled his latest toy — an underwater plane.
The Virgin Atlantic tycoon said the "Necker Nymph" would combine fighter jet technology with submarine capabilities, according to media reports.
"It is very similar to an airplane flying in the sea. You can literally do loop-the-loops," Branson told reporters.
Unlike other submarine vessels, which use ballast to propel themselves under water, the Nymph uses downward 'lift' on the wings to make its descent.
Branson said he hoped the Nymph would be able to reach depths normal submarines couldn’t and hopefully be able to touch down on the Mariana Trench, believed to be the lowest spot in the Pacific Ocean atmore than 10km below sea level.
The vessel cost just under $1 million to make and will be based at his private resort Necker Island in the Caribbean.
Riding the Nymph will cost $26,800 for a two-hour glide through the ocean.
But passengers will have to fork out $98,000 for seven nights aboard the resort's catamaran, the Necker Belle, first.
Branson only recently unveiled the world's first commercial spaceship.
He also has an airline, record label, mobile phone company and a string of restaurants under his belt.
