Australian businessman Dietrich Mateschitz, the founder of Red Bull GmbH, has recently bought himself a new water toy. While most people would go for a jet ski, a boat or maybe even a superyacht, Mateschitz chose a $1.7 million submarine.
Following his passion for flight (he holds a pilot’s license, which is very fitting for the owner of a brand that “gives you wings”), the 69 year old businessman commissioned a custom watercraft that can be flown like an airplane, only under water. Dubbed DeepFlight Super Falcon, it was manufactured by Hawkes Ocean Technologies, who fitted it with lithium batteries like those used in Tesla cars.
The watercraft was not designed to reach great depths, but rather to “fly” under the sunlight. It can reach depths of 400 feet and speeds of 4 knots. This is about the speed at which sharks and whales swim, which allows it to travel alongside these majestic creatures. The two acrylic domes feature a refractive index that is similar to that of seawater, which makes them seemingly vanish as the Super Falcon submerges. This ensures breathtaking views and the sensation of riding in an open cockpit.
Dietrich Mateschitz didn’t commission the sub for himself alone. He actually had it done for the upscale guests at his Laucala Island resort in Fiji. Starting November you will be able to use the submersible yourself if you plan to take a trip to Fiji. All you need is $1,700 for a two-hour ride in the bespoke submarine, and at least $4,200 for every night you spend at the resort.
