Virgin Oceanic Designs New One Person Submarine
Rhonda Moniz
December 8, 2011
Virgin Oceanic’s new submarine will carry one crewmember, weighing in at 8,000 lbs. the sub is designed to dive to depths of 37,000 feet (7 miles), while cruising at between 2.2 and 3 knots. It can descend or ascend at a rate of 350 feet per minute, and provides life support for up to 24 hours. It is made with the latest in composite technology and a completely unique flying wing to literally fly within the ocean environment. Adventurer Steve Fossett had intended to complete the first solo dive to the depths of the Mariana Trench. Sir Richard’s, a close friend and fellow explorer of Fossett commissioned the sub in an effort to finish what Fossett set out to accomplish. The vehicle is a unique design constructed from carbon fiber and titanium.