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The Necker Nymph is a aero-submarine-type craft that was manufactured based on designs from fighter jet technology. Branson stated that the underwater airplane was built by the U.S.-based Hawkes Ocean Technologies (HOT).
According to the Hawkes website, the company ''¦ designs and builds the world's only winged (patented) submersibles, with over forty years experience in providing deep manned submersibles for exploration, adventure, recreation, film/television, science and industry.'
Hawkes, which is based in San Francisco, California, built the prototype, carbon-fiber three-person aero-submersible at a cost of US$664,000. It is able to reach ocean depths of 40 meters (130 feet).
A photograph of the sleek blue-and-silver Necker Nymph is found courtesy of Newscom.com.
According to the PRNewswire.com article Introducing Necker Nymph: Aviation Under the Sea, the Necker Nymph is described as: '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.'
Page two describes the Necker Nymph in more details, providing information on where you can charter it.
Branson states in the 1.29.2010 UPI article Billionaire unveils underwater 'plane', 'It is very similar to an airplane flying in the sea. You can literally do loop-the-loops.'
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The Necker Belle will be available for chartering beginning in February 2010, for a weekly rate of US$88,000, including full on-board staff.
For more adventuresome underwater tourists, a more advanced model is in the works, which will reportedly be able to submerge up to 10,700 meters (35,000 feet, or about 6.6 miles) below the surface of the ocean.
Necker Island is part of the Virgin Limited Edition portfolio of luxury properties.
According to the Necker Island website, the island, surrounded by turquoise waters, coral reefs, and beautiful sandy beaches, is ''¦ designed to be your own private hideaway - a place far from the stresses and strains of daily life where you dictate the pace and the mood."
"Whether your passion is suiting up and getting wet in the crystal clear water or relaxing with a book on a deserted beach, you'll be well catered for."
"We also host casino nights in the Great House, fancy dress parties, BBQs on the beach, gala dinners where the food just keeps coming and much, much more!'
Page three concludes with the weekly charter price for the Necker Nymph (it won't be cheap!)
The Necker Nymph aero-submarine will be able to glide through the water, providing 360 degree turns through its open cockpit design. Tours for up to two hours will be offered.
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Branson's Virgin Limited Edition is the company that has put together such luxury retreats as Necker Island, along with the Ulusaba Private Game Reserve (South Africa); Sa Terra Rotja in Mallorca (Spanish island); The Roof Gardens and Babylon Restaurant in London (England); Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco (northern Africa); and The Lodge in Verbier (southwestern Switzerland).
Graham Hawkes, the designer of the Necker Nymph, is a pioneering leader in providing high-tech underwater craft.
In fact, his company, Hawkes Ocean Technologies, is currently commercializing the DeepFlight winged submersible technology, including the world's deepest submersible, the DeepFlight Super Falcon, which is able to submerge up to 10,970 meters (36,000 feet).