Updated: January 16, 2016

A great addition to the Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea TV series, "The Flying Sub!"

It was a craft which traveled underwater like any other sub, but could also power itself to the surface and fly like a plane. The TV models would perform these two functions, but not without the aid of guide wires. Resembling the body of a Manta Ray, several sizes of the Flying Sub came into use. Fabrication methods were the same as those employed for making the Seaview, namely wood and plaster sculptures created first, then cast in fiberglass.

The largest model made was thirty-six inches wide by thirty-six inches long. Two other models measured eighteen by eighteen inches, and ten by ten inches respectively. These last two sizes was built so that they would fit into the hatches of the eighteen and eight foot submarine models. Scenes could be filmed showing the Flying Sub being launched or berthed from either of the larger Seaviews.

Small holes were drilled in the sides and top front of the models. These holes would accommodate then guide wires which, when suspending the model, produced the "flying" of the sub. For the launching of the Flying Sub, the wires were connected inside the Seaview hangar, the hatch opened, and the wires unwound to lower the craft away from the sub.

Two plexiglass windows were placed at the bow for viewing. Inside lighting was provided by batteries located in the rear portion of the miniatures. Each one had it's own interior cabin with small scale beams, seats and control panels. When photographed, especially underwater, these interiors would match up with life size sets. The thirty-six inch version was provided with a small underside hatchway out of which would emerge two mechanical arms. They operated along a wheeled track inside the craft. Claws on the ends of the arms opened and closed by way of a gear box, also located in the model.

(*) Update: February 8, 2005 - Here are some sceen captures I got off TV and my DVD, (some are large files but all pics are at 72 res.) with a few from City Beneath the Sea. Some are not the greatest quality however use which ever ones you like, or all.

I used these as refferences to make the model. Enjoy....

Michael Botelho

(*) Special thanks to Michael, for sending in all these great photos, and making this photo gallery possible!