DeepFlight Super Falcon

The DeepFlight Super Falcon is a personal submarine designed by Graham Hawkes, a former civilian ocean engineer. It was hoped that the technology used in this submersible would allow travel to the deepest parts of the ocean.

Class overview
BuildersHawkes Ocean Technologies
General characteristics Mark I
TypeSubmersible
Displacement1,818 kg (4,008 lb)
Length6.7 m (22 ft)
Beam3.0 m (9.8 ft)
Installed powerElectric battery
Speed6 kn (11 km/h; 6.9 mph)
Capacity2
Crew2
General characteristics Mark II
TypeSubmersible
Displacement1,818 kg (4,008 lb)
Length5.9 m (19 ft)
Beam2.7 m (8 ft 10 in)
Height1.6 m (5 ft 3 in)
Installed powerElectric battery
Speed6 kn (11 km/h; 6.9 mph)
Capacity2
Crew2

Development

The Super Falcon was designed by Graham Hawkes. Later, he started designing submersible vehicles for both the oil industry and those in the scientific research sectors. One of his earlier submersibles was featured in the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only. Another was used in producer James Cameron's Aliens of the Deep.[1]

In 2005, Hawkes and adventurer Steve Fossett teamed up to create a submarine that could be piloted by an individual to the deepest part of the ocean. This spot in the Pacific Ocean, called Challenger Deep, is approximately 36,201 feet (11,034 m) under the ocean's surface and is thought to be the deepest point in the ocean.[2][3] Together they began to develop the Challenger submersible with this goal in mind. However, in 2007 Fossett lost his life in a fatal accident in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California before the feat could be attempted.[4]

The first test flight of the Super Falcon in 2009 ran into a few problems including getting the submersible stuck in a kelp bed, which had to be cut free with the help of a safety diver. Other initial problems included a broken prop and rudder while performing vertical dives and 90 degree rolls.[2]

Design

Mark I

The Super Falcon is classified as a winged submersible with a numerical design designation of DF 302. With its wings deployed, it measures 3 m (9.8 ft) wide x 1.6 m (5 ft 3 in) x 6.7 m (22 ft) long. The width is reduced to 1.4 m (4 ft 7 in) with the side wings folded.[5]

The electricity that drives the propulsion system is from batteries,[6] the Super Falcon's cruise speed is between 2–6 knots (3.7–11.1 km/h; 2.3–6.9 mph). Its maximum thrust is 508 lb (230 kg). The maximum rate at which it can make a descent is 200 ft/min and the maximum rate at which it can ascend is 400 ft/min. It can operate at a depth of 1,000 fsw with a payload of 230 kg (510 lb), or 2 people . It has a launch weight of 1,818 kg (4,008 lb).[5]

Mark II

The redesigned Super Falcon is 5.9 m (19 ft) long, 1.4–2.7 m (4.6–8.9 ft) wide (wings folded or extended, respectively), 1.6 m (5.2 ft) tall, and a launch weight of 1,818 kg (4,008 lb). It has a cruising speed of 2–6 kn (3.7–11.1 km/h; 2.3–6.9 mph), under thrust of 231 kgf (2,270 N; 510 lbf), with an operating depth of 120 m (390 ft). It can carry a crew of 2, and a payload of 230 kg (510 lb) including the crew.[7] The vehicle uses lithium ion batteries for energy storage.[8]

Submarines

The Mateschitz Super Falcon is a Mark II custom fitted to Red Bull billionaire Dietrich Mateschitz, for use at the island and resort that he owns, Laucala Island in Fiji.[8] It is the first resort-based Super Falcon.[9]

References
  1. Schrope, Mark (December 2009). "Run Silent Run Sleek". Popular Mechanics. Hearst Communications, Inc: 82–85.
  2. Schrope, Mark (December 2009). "Test Drive in the World's Fastest Personal Submarine". Popular Mechanics. Hearst Communications, Inc. Archived from the original on 3 December 2009. Retrieved 27 November 2009.
  3. DeepFlight website Archived 2010-02-12 at the Wayback Machine
  4. Shiels, Maggie (2009-05-19). "Underwater 'flying machine' launched". BBC News. Retrieved 3 December 2009.
  5. "Deep Flight Super Falcon". Deep Flight. Hawkes Ocean Technologies. Archived from the original on 26 November 2009. Retrieved 27 November 2009.
  6. "Deep Flight Super Falcon winged submarine readies deep sea exploration in San Francisco". Engadget. Retrieved 2009-12-03.
  7. "DeepFlight Super Falcon Mark II". DeepFlight. Archived from the original on 2014-12-02. Retrieved 2014-12-14.
  8. Steven Bertoni (2 September 2013). "Red Bull Billionaire Buys A New Million Dollar Extreme Submarine". Forbes Magazine.
  9. "Fiji's Laucala Island Debuts World's First Resort DeepFlight Super Falcon Submersible Experience". Luxury Travel Magazine. 10 July 2014.
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