Virgin boss Branson's new toy - underwater 'plane'

Melbourne, Feb 1 (ANI): Sir Richard Branson has unveiled his latest gadget - an underwater 'plane'.

The flamboyant British billionaire, founder of the Virgin brand, which includes an airline, plans to make his new toy available to guests on his luxury Necker Island.

Called the Necker Nymph, the 670,000-dollar submarine with fighter jet technology is able to reach depths of 37,000 feet below sea level.

The Virgin Atlantic boss hopes the submarine with fighter jet technology will explore uncharted depths at 35,000ft (10,668 metres).

"It is very similar to an airplane flying in the sea. You can literally do loop-the-loops," News.com.au quoted Sir Richard as saying.

It could eventually reach the Mariana Trench, believed to be the world's lowest spot in the Pacific Ocean.

US company Hawkes built the 15ft "winged" sub, which has three 360-degree, view cockpits and is steered like a plane with a joystick.

Sir Richard, who last month unveiled the world's first commercial spaceship, told The Sun that he plans to use it to take holidaymakers on underwater trips.

"We hope to have submarines dotted throughout the world. A pressurized submarine is nearly completed. But the real challenge is to explore what's going on at the bottom of the oceans," he said. (ANI)