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Underwater flight a possibility with the Super Aviator
Uber-fanatical as I am about scuba diving, and all things deep blue, I'm just not convinced about the Super Aviator. Sure, it's a two-seater submarine that costs around $2.5 million and has people like Roman Abramovich and Richard Branson moist with excitement, but this underwater vehicle has got a bit more going for it than a mere rich man's plaything.
Unlike most submarines, which rely on a ballast system (and have limited manoeuvrability) the Super Aviator is built along the principles of flight. This means that the craft uses thrust, lift and drag, using its wings and a joystick to allow you to bank, turn and curve, as if you were in a plane. It's able to sink to below 1,000 feet, and can travel at around 6 knots per hour — but the best thing about it is that it's battery powered, allowing you to cut through the water in an almost silent state, without that awful dull hum of engine-powered craft that bugs scuba divers so much.
The company behind the Super Aviator, SAS (or Sub Aviator Systems) are hoping that the sub's business possibilities are endless. The craft could be used for surveying oil rigs and underwater pipelines, for reef exploration, shipwrecks — even underwater filming. And there are plans for an underwater "flight school," which will set you back around $16,000. Any takers?
Via Daily Mail
By Fuzzy Green at 5:47 AM ON 11/09/09
"Roger that Super AViator, the flight deck is clear and you're clear to dive"
LAAAAAAAAAAME
Now, while it does look graceful it really needs some rockets or else James Bond is just gonna kicks it's arse, because you know that MI5 already have about 20 of their own parked under the Thames.
By Mr. Gumsandals at 8:02 AM ON 11/09/09
Despite its lack of speed and cost, it's pretty cool.
By Avro at 8:55 AM ON 11/09/09
a knot is already a measure of speed (equal to one nautical mile per hour)
so the term "6 knots per hour" doesn't make much sense.
By Lucky13 at 9:54 AM ON 11/09/09
"but the best thing about it is that it's battery powered, allowing you to cut through the water in an almost silent state"
Curious, what happens if you're below 1,000 feet and the battery runs out?
By stnprkl at 11:42 AM ON 11/09/09
How lame and crappy video.. spoils the interest about the craft.
By Fenra at 12:10 PM ON 11/09/09
"Curious, what happens if you're below 1,000 feet and the battery runs out?"
Probably the opposite of what happens if you're flying in a plane and it runs out of fuel.
By Alby Durned at 11:09 PM ON 11/10/09
A crude, poorly executed copy of Graham Hawkes' Deep Flight submersibles....
By Alby Durned at 11:24 PM ON 11/10/09
In fact, a video clip of a "flyby" of the original Deep Flight vehicle was included as part of the opening credits montage on Star Trek: Enterprise.
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Alby Durned:
In fact, a video clip of a "flyby" of the original Deep Flight vehicle was included as part of the opening credits ...More »