The RV FLIP (Floating Instrument Platform) stands out as one of the most extraordinary research vessels in the world. The Scripps Institution of Oceanography Operates this ship. The Marine Physical Laboratory at Scripps was designed in 1962 to enhance oceanographic research with its innovative design.
What sets RV FLIP apart is its unparalleled ability to flip from a horizontal to a vertical position while at sea, making it the only vessel of its kind. At 108 meters (355 feet) long, FLIP is transformed into a stable floating platform in the middle of the ocean. The transition occurs when the crew floods its ballast tanks, causing the stern to sink while the bow rises vertically. In this upright state, only about 17 meters (55 feet) of the vessel remains visible above the water.
Once in its vertical orientation, RV FLIP becomes incredibly stable and resistant to the ocean’s waves and swells. This stability is critical for precise oceanographic measurements and scientific experiments, as it minimizes movement that could interfere with sensitive instruments. The vessel is used to research in various fields, such as acoustics, meteorology, oceanography, and marine mammal studies.
RV FLIP is also designed to accommodate the needs of its crew and scientists during research expeditions. It includes living quarters, sleeping areas, a galley, and workspaces in horizontal and vertical orientations. In addition, the vessel is fully equipped with laboratories and specialized equipment to support complex oceanographic investigations.
This Amazing Ship was owned by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and operated by the Marine Physical Laboratory at Scripps. RV FLIP has been a critical tool for studying the ocean’s depths and unlocking the mysteries of marine environments. Its unique ability to transform into a vertical, wave-resistant platform has made it a game-changer in ocean research.
Source and more Details: Daily Mail
