Cap'n Refsmmat Posted April 6, 2011 Posted April 6, 2011 http://www.dailytech.com/Richard+Branson+Announces+Virgin+Oceanic+Submarine+/article21307.htm Day two of the Brainstorm GREEN conference yesterday revealed that Richard Branson will embark on an undersea venture where he will explore some of the deepest parts of the oceans around the world. The sub, which was designed by Graham Hawkes, weighs 8,000 lbs and is made of carbon fiber and titanium. It has an operating depth of 37,000 ft and can operate for 24 hours "unaided." It was designed in such a way that it looks like it has fins and a unique flying wing so that can range the seas "in harmony with its environment." In addition, Branson notes that it is much less expensive to operate and manufacture than other subs that cannot achieve full ocean depth like the Virgin Oceanic can. The Virgin Oceanic venture will consist of five dives in five different oceans. The crew will explore the Mariana Trench in the Pacific, the Diamantina Trench in the Indian, the South Sandwich Trench in the Southern Atlantic, the Puerto Rico Trench in the Atlantic and the Molloy Deep in the Arctic Ocean. The official website is here: http://www.virginoceanic.com/ It's worth noting that the Marianas Trench, the deepest part of the ocean, is only 36,000 feet deep; Branson's vessel (which has already been built) will be able to explore any part of the ocean floor. There has only ever been one manned vessel to reach the bottom of the Trench -- the Trieste. If Branson pulls this off, it will almost certainly be pretty awesome. Damn, I want to be fabulously rich so I can build myself a submarine.
Phi for All Posted April 6, 2011 Posted April 6, 2011 What an awesome adventure! Imagine the secrets to be unlocked. Damn, I want to be fabulously rich so I can build myself a submarine. If you had put away $1000 every time you posted here, you'd have enough for this sub now.
darrenwagstaff Posted May 20, 2011 Posted May 20, 2011 Wow... it's amazing what can be achieved by a business man that cares about the planet. He's even doing a talk in London on or around July 2nd Perhaps Darren Wagstaff will achieve such advancements one day..
randomc Posted May 21, 2011 Posted May 21, 2011 (edited) Investment in science is a much more snesible form of philanthropy than the Gates/Buffet 'buy-everyone-on-the-planet-lunch' strategy. It's something permanent, hence way more valuable Edited May 21, 2011 by randomc
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