LONDON , England ( CNN ) -- A new generation of deep-sea submarines light enough to launch from a yacht could open up the ocean 's depths to amateur explorers . The planned `` Deep Flight II '' -- shown here in an artist 's impression -- should be able to dive to 37,000 ft . The `` Deep Flight '' winged submersibles are experimental prototypes designed to dive to depths of up to 37,000 ft -- almost four times as deep as a giant squid dives -- descending at 400 ft/minute . They are the brainchild of submarine designer Graham Hawkes who is in the process of building commercial models that can reach those depths . Hawkes has been designing submarines since the 1960s , working initially with the British Special Forces and then for the oil industry . He now sells his designs to wealthy sailboat owners as the ultimate yacht accessory . `` If you have the money for a mega-yacht and you 're just limited to the surface , then what a waste . That 's my perspective , '' Hawkes told CNN in a telephone interview . The late billionaire balloonist and adventurer , Steve Fossett , commissioned one of Hawkes ' experimental prototypes , `` Deep Flight Challenger , '' which can dive to 37,000 ft . The craft was four weeks away from delivery when he died . Venture capitalist Tom Perkins has ordered one of Hawkes ' first commercially-available models , `` Deep Flight Superfalcon '' for his yacht `` Maltese Falcon . '' The $ 1.5 million sub is capable of diving to 1,000 ft and comes complete with air conditioning . While price means these craft are out of reach for most leisure users , Hawkes denies they are simply rich men 's toys . `` The thing is a space ship , I do n't like the term toy , '' said Hawkes of the subs which his company is also positioning as a cheaper alternative to research craft for science , industry and exploration . `` 'Superfalcon ' has a capability greater than the U.S. Navy . `` I personally very much like the idea of empowering individuals to explore . '' Unlike conventional subs which get heavy and sink , Hawkes ' designs are positively buoyant and have to power down into the depths : `` It 's like an airplane in reverse . '' They have life support good for 24 hours in the depths and a range of 10-20 miles . They are also quick and highly maneuverable . Hawkes , who describes himself as claustrophobic , says diving deep in one of his subs is an `` awe inspiring experience . '' `` We just finished flight testing 'Superfalcon . It goes down vertical and you pull one gee when you make a turn , '' he said . Paul Willis contributed to this report .
Deep - sea craft that can dive to 500 ft is light enough to launch from a yacht . Brainchild of Captain Graham Hawkes who is in process of building first craft . ` ` Deep Flight ' '' has no price tag yet but current sub ` ` Superfalcon '' cost $ 10 million . Submarine : This has a capability greater than the U.S. Navy .