Underwater plane from Virgin to explore the ocean

U.K. based Virgin Ltd. has come up with a three-person “aero-submarine” to take you to an underwater ride like you have never seen before. For most people the idea of cruising in the deep ocean at 36,000 feet below the sea-level is like a dream. Ofcourse to enjoy this ride, you need to be super-rich, unless ofcourse you want to spend over $25,000 a week to rent the “hydrobatic” vehicle. Called the Necker Nymph, this sub can “fly” through the water and can even perform flips like a dolphin.

The Batumi Aquarium in Georgia

Surprised at the pack of pebbles in place of an aquarium? This is actually what the Batumi Aquariumin Georgia is supposed to look like when built at the Georgian port. The design conceived by Denmark-based Henning Larsen Architects, was selected from a competition. The larger than life pebbles are a representation of the smooth pebbles found near the Batumi beach, reflecting the on-going process of the sea.

Each of the four pebbles would contain marine life from different regions which include the “Aegean Sea & the Mediterranean Sea, the Indian Ocean, the Black Sea & the Red Sea“. The four realms would have a central hallway for visitors to sit, enjoy, relax, shop etc. The aquarium in addition to being an attractive experience in understanding and enjoying,  the diverse forms of the aqua world would also open up possibilities  for outdoor marine research and learning.

Sikorsky X2: World’s fastest helicopter revealed

The future of helicopters gets better. The Sikorsky X2, although a prototype, is currently the fastest helicopter which just broke the 258 MPH speed barrier. The key to the design is the unique co-axial tri-blade of the X2, which enables the helicopter to travel longer distance at a higher speed. But the objective of the X2 is even more ambitious. The target speed is actually 287.5 mph!

The other innovative technologies incorporated in this high-speed helicopter are:
• Fly-by-wire flight controls
• Counter-rotating rigid rotor blades
• Hub drag reduction
• Active vibration control
• Integrated auxiliary propulsion system

A Westfield LYNX ZBX-500 held the original speed record of 249 MPH since 1986, until now.

Football field sized airships for surveillance

According to the aerospace and defense company Northrop Grumman, the U.S. army has ordered the delivery of three Long Endurance Multi-Intelligence Vehicles (LEMV),that can carry up to 2,500 pounds payload while cruising along at 92 mph (148 kph) at the same time. Meant to be flying at 20,000 (6,096 meters) above the sea-level these super-large airships are literally longer than a football field. The army believes that the LEMVs will serve as surveillance stations and will assist in watching over battlefields in Afghanistan.

Northrop Grumman has received the $517 million dollar contract and is estimated to deliver all three LEMVs before the end of 2011

[source: space.com]

Fire Extinguisher lighter

Most smokers cannot live without a cigarette lighter. Although there are several available designs, we definitely found this Fire Extinguisher lighter to be interesting. Although this does look like micro fire extinguisher, make no mistake, this is a fully functional cigarette lighter.

Even the connected hose has its own functionality, “as it nests a little LED to guide your path.”

Its a pity, this thing is only available in Japan.

Price? $4.89 (approx.) 

Laser watch

If you think you have seen crazy designs on watches, then think again. Check out the Alessi Invisible Shot Laser watch. Although it’s purpose is to show time, a watch design can hardly be weirder than this. Looks exactly like a bracelet the device features a discreet button, that when pressed reflects laser light on your wrist to show the time. We think if you consider this as a bracelet that shows time, it will probably be more appropriate.

Designer for this Alessi Invisible Shot Laser watch is Andy Kurovets.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi : The World’s Largest Indoor Theme Park

Want to get swept off your feet? Well the world’s first Ferrari Theme Park, called the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi seems to be formulating the right bundle of excitement, to make it happening. Located on Yas Island, the world’s largest indoor theme park will have “20 Ferrari-inspired attractions including rides, a 4D fantasy adventure, a racing academy, children’s play area, restaurants offering Italian cuisines and various shops.” The venue would also feature the world’s fastest roller coaster with speeds more than 210 km/hr, allowing visitors to experience the feel of riding a Formula One Car.

By now, you might also have been overwhelmed by the roof structure itself. The shape is inspired from the side profile of the classic double curve body of the Ferrari GT which also showcases the largest Ferrari logo. The park is scheduled to be opened to the public on 28th October 2010. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a collaboration project of “Ferrari and Aldar Properties PJSC, Abu Dhabi’s leading property development, management and investment company“.