{{Short description|Winged personal submarine}} {{update|date=August 2015}} {{Infobox ship |section1={{Infobox ship/image | image = DeepFlight Super Falcon.jpg | image_caption = }}
|section2={{Infobox ship/class overview | builders = Hawkes Ocean Technologies | operators = | class_before = | class_after = | subclasses = | built_range = | in_service_range = | total_ships_building = | total_ships_planned = | total_ships_completed = | total_ships_canceled = | total_ships_active = | total_ships_laid_up = | total_ships_lost = | total_ships_retired = | total_ships_scrapped = | total_ships_preserved = }}
|section3={{Infobox ship/characteristics | hide_header = | header_caption = Mark I | type = Submersible | tonnage = | displacement = {{convert|1818|kg|abbr=on}} | length = {{convert|6.7|m|abbr=on}} | beam = {{convert|3.0|m|abbr=on}} | height = | draught = | draft = | depth = | decks = | deck_clearance = | ramps = | ice_class = | sail_plan = | power = Electric battery | propulsion = | speed = {{convert|6|kn|kph mph|abbr=on}} | capacity = 2 | crew = 2 | notes = }}
|section4={{Infobox ship/characteristics | hide_header = | header_caption = Mark II | type = Submersible | tonnage = | displacement = {{convert|1818|kg|abbr=on}} | length = {{convert|5.9|m|abbr=on}} | beam = {{convert|2.7|m|abbr=on}} | height = {{convert|1.6|m|abbr=on}} | draught = | draft = | depth = | decks = | deck_clearance = | ramps = | ice_class = | sail_plan = | power = Electric battery | propulsion = | speed = {{convert|6|kn|kph mph|abbr=on}} | capacity = 2 | crew = 2 | notes = }} }}
The '''DeepFlight Super Falcon''' is a personal submarine designed by Graham Hawkes, a former civilian ocean engineer.
== 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''.<ref name="Run Silent">{{cite journal|url=http://www.popularmechanics.co.za/features/run-silent-run-sleek/|last=Schrope|first=Mark|date=December 2009|title=Run Silent Run Sleek|journal=Popular Mechanics|publisher=Hearst Communications, Inc|pages=82–85|archive-date=2016-03-04|access-date=2012-08-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304185738/http://www.popularmechanics.co.za/features/run-silent-run-sleek/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
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 propeller and rudder while performing vertical dives and 90° rolls.<ref name="Test Drive">{{cite journal |url=http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/air_space/4338002.html?nav=RSS20&src=syn&dom=yah_buzz&mag=pop |title=Test Drive in the World's Fastest Personal Submarine |last=Schrope |first=Mark |date=December 2009 |journal=Popular Mechanics |publisher=Hearst Communications, Inc |access-date=27 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091203113211/http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/air_space/4338002.html?nav=RSS20&src=syn&dom=yah_buzz&mag=pop |archive-date=3 December 2009 }}</ref>
== 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 {{convert|3|m|abbr=on}} wide × {{convert|1.6|m|abbr=on}} × {{convert|6.7|m|abbr=on}} long. The width is reduced to {{convert|1.4|m|abbr=on}} with the side wings folded.<ref name="deepflight">{{cite web |url=http://www.deepflight.com/subs/df_superfalcon.htm |title=Deep Flight Super Falcon |work=Deep Flight |publisher=Hawkes Ocean Technologies |access-date=27 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091126122650/http://www.deepflight.com/subs/df_superfalcon.htm |archive-date=26 November 2009 }}</ref>
The electricity that drives the propulsion system is from batteries,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2009/05/14/deep-flight-super-falcon-winged-submarine-readies-deep-sea-explo/ |title=Deep Flight Super Falcon winged submarine readies deep sea exploration in San Francisco |publisher=Engadget |date= 14 May 2009|access-date=2009-12-03}}</ref> the Super Falcon's cruise speed is between {{convert|2|-|6|knot}}. Its maximum thrust is {{convert|508|lb|abbr=on}}. 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 {{convert|230|kg|abbr=on}}, or 2 people. It has a launch weight of {{convert|1818|kg|abbr=on}}.<ref name="deepflight" />
===Mark II=== The redesigned Super Falcon is {{convert|5.9|m|ft|abbr=on}} long, {{convert|1.4|-|2.7|m|ft|abbr=on}} wide (wings folded or extended, respectively), {{convert|1.6|m|ft|abbr=on}} tall, and a launch weight of {{convert|1818|kg|lb|abbr=on}}. It has a cruising speed of {{convert|2|-|6|kn|kph mph|abbr=on}}, under thrust of {{convert|231|kgf|N lbf|abbr=on}}, with an operating depth of {{convert|120|m|ft|abbr=on}}. It can carry a crew of 2, and a payload of {{convert|230|kg|lb|abbr=on}} including the crew.<ref name=superfalcon>{{cite web |url= http://www.deepflight.com/project/deepflight-super-falcon/ |title= DeepFlight Super Falcon Mark II |publisher= DeepFlight |access-date= 2014-12-14 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141202061920/http://www.deepflight.com/project/deepflight-super-falcon/ |archive-date= 2014-12-02 |url-status= dead }}</ref> The vehicle uses lithium ion batteries for energy storage.<ref name="Forbes-2013-08-14"/>
== 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.<ref name="Forbes-2013-08-14">{{cite news |url= https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevenbertoni/2013/08/14/red-bull-billionaire-buys-a-new-million-dollar-extreme-submarine/ |title= Red Bull Billionaire Buys A New Million Dollar Extreme Submarine |date= 2 September 2013 |author= Steven Bertoni |work= Forbes Magazine }}</ref> It is the first resort-based Super Falcon.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.luxurytravelmagazine.com/news-articles/fijis-laucala-island-debuts-worlds-first-deepflight-super-falcon-submersible-experience-21948.php |publisher= Luxury Travel Magazine |title= Fiji's Laucala Island Debuts World's First Resort DeepFlight Super Falcon Submersible Experience |date= 10 July 2014 }}</ref>
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == * {{official website|http://www.deepflight.com/}} *{{Cite web|url=http://www.outsideonline.com/1892206/just-dont-call-it-submarine|title=Just Don't Call it a Submarine|date=21 April 2010 }} by Thayer Walker - Outside Online May 2010
Category:Submersibles Category:Personal submarines