DeepFlight Merlin class positively-buoyant open-cockpit 3-seater wet sub
The Necker Nymph is a submersible vehicle operated by Virgin Aquatic [1] from the 32-metre yacht Necker Belle ,[2] which is based at the Virgin Limited Edition resort Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands .[3]
The Necker Nymph is the initial example of the DeepFlight Merlin class of positively-buoyant open-cockpit wet subs manufactured by Hawkes Ocean Technologies .[4] It relies on hydrodynamic forces for anti-lift force. It is 4.5 metres long, capable of 360-degree "hydrobatic" manoeuvres, can dive up to 40 metres underwater, and seats one pilot and two passengers in an open cockpit (necessitating wearing scuba gear ).[5] [6] Occupants have a "windscreen" to protect them from the water's slipstream.[citation needed ]
^ Time Magazine, "Virgin Founder Richard Branson" , Dan Fletcher, 1 September 2009 (accessed 25 July 2010)
^ SuperYachts.com, "Necker Nymph 'Underwater Aircraft' announced by Virgin Limited Edition" (accessed 25 July 2010)
^ New York Daily News, "Richard Branson's latest toy? An underwater plane called 'Necker Nymph'" , Catey Hill, Monday 1 February 2010 (accessed 25 July 2010)
^ gizmag.com, "Necker Nymph: underwater flying becomes Virgin territory" , Noel McKeegan, 21 January 2010 (accessed 25 July 2010)
^ Jaunted.com, "Richard Branson Has a New Toy: An Airplane-like Submarine!" , 2 February 2010 (accessed 25 July 2010)
^ Forbes.com, "What billionaires do on summer vacations" [usurped] , Katie Evans, 16 June 2010 (accessed 25 July 2010)
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