Swan-shaped luxury superyacht concept with a detachable ‘head’ that acts as both the cockpit and a secondary boat is unveiled by an Italian designer

Italian designer Lazzarini has unveiled concept images for its latest superyacht – the aptly named 450 foot (137 metre) Avanguardia that resembles a swan.

This first-of-its-kind superyacht features a sleek ‘neck’ and an elegant body in an attractive layered design, intended to resemble a swan’s wings and feathers. Any would-be owner of the Avanguardia – meaning ‘vanguard’ in English – can steer their vessel from the ‘head’ of the swan, which acts as its control tower.

The extraordinary swan-shaped ‘megayacht’, which stretches more than the length of a football pitch, would set owners back £376 million ($500 million). But just like a swan can move its neck and head, the yacht’s control tower can be moved down towards the water.

This first-of-its-kind superyacht has been designed to look like a swan – and it’s yours if you can stump up half a billion dollars

The rear deck part incorporates a personal port for two jet capsules, also designed by Italian maker Lazzarini. It also comes with two helicopters which can be stored in its two on-board hangars

The would-be owner of the elegant Avanguardia can steer their vessel from the ‘head’ of the swan, which acts as its control tower

The neck descends into the water to release the control tower head, which transforms into an auxiliary 50-foot boat for shorter trips

The ‘head’ is even detachable and transforms into an auxiliary 50-foot boat. Passengers invited for a ride on the boat can descend a set of steps on the neck.

Avanguardia can accommodate up to 60 passengers on board, including 24 guests and crew, and comes with two helicopters, which can be stored in its two on-board hangars. Lazzarini, designers of the concept yacht, says it also comes with two ‘jet capsules’ – mini vessels that can be used to cruise the sea on.

A Lazzarini spokeswoman said the yacht is inspired by ‘1970s Japanese manga’. ‘The head of the swan works as a control tower to manoeuvre the megayacht,’ she said.

‘Due to an extendable crane located in the bow, in this case named the “neck”, the head can be dropped off and used as an auxiliary 16 metre [50-foot] boat. During the sailing the head can adjust its position by lowering in the middle of the megayacht body. Like a swan, the neck goes in the middle of the wings.’

She added: ‘Avanguardia is a a stylistic exercise that could become reality with a client able to invest $500 million for the construction.’

The superyacht also has five main decks and a Rolls-Royce jet engine which means it can reach 18 knots. It’s also capable of storing cars in the hold, making it an ideal vessel for transporting cross-continent travellers.