Submarine dream: the new toy for Russia’s super-rich?

A luxury yacht has become a must-have for Russia’s super-rich, but one man has upped the ante among the elite – by getting his own submarine. Even more remarkably, Dmitry Bogachev was so keen on his new vessel he even built it himself.

The businessman insists that building a submarine is easy. He says all you need is a grasp of physics and a few basic materials to build it.

“I didn't invent anything and there are no military secrets here,” he said. “I just tried to make it accessible. In fact, it's made of components anyone can buy.”

Propelled by five engines, the hull is made of steel plates which are just two centimetres thick.

Scuba diving tanks are used for breathing inside.

The sub can get up to speeds of 4 km/h. It is certainly not fast, but it is quick enough for the wannabe captain.

His creation is five times cheaper than the usual cost.

But Dmitry is not planning to take to the high seas or fire torpedoes.

In fact he says he still doesn't know what to do with his new toy – although he hopes that the prototype could one day be successful enough to be mass produced.