Floating Instrument Platform (R/P FLIP)

I Love Warships posted

Floating Instrument Platform (R/P FLIP) during the "flipping process."

The craft could literally flip from a horizontal to a vertical position while at sea. FLIP was flipped into the vertical position by flooding its long aft section with seawater. Only its “four-story” bow section remained above the water. To return the vessel to a horizontal position, high-pressure air blew the water out of the submerged section.

FLIP was used for studies of wave motion, marine biology, internal waves, sound waves, and other phenomena. The vessel has accommodation for four people and can carry enough supplies to last for about two weeks.

In the vertical position, the research laboratories, living quarters, and engine room were above the water. Two diesel engines supply electrical power for air conditioning and other miscellaneous electrical equipment. Two waterfront tubes permit the crew to descend to 150 feet below the water.

Out of service since August 2023.

Mack Hollowpoint: June 22, 1962-Aug, 2023. Now went for scrap.

Christoph Manhardt: Best: I hope nobody had his nap when they flipped... 😉

Peter Franks: Christoph Manhardt The bunks are gimbaled - it wouldn't have made a difference!

Kai Schwarz: Erica Jones When it wasn't at sea it was kept at the Scripps Oceanography docks just inside San Diego harbor by Pt. Loma. [I looked on a satellite, but could not find it.]

The Marine Buff posted

The Research Vessel FLIP (Floating Instrument Platform) is an extraordinary oceanographic research vessel known for its unique capability to flip from a horizontal to a vertical position. This innovative design was created to provide a stable platform for scientific research in the open ocean, where wave motion can significantly interfere with delicate measurements.

RV FLIP is 108 meters long, with its transformation achieved by flooding ballast tanks at one end, causing it to sink while the other end rises, eventually positioning the vessel vertically. This process takes about 30 minutes, with most of the motion happening in a rapid 90-second span. In its vertical position, only about 17 meters of the vessel remain above water, resembling a giant buoy. This design allows FLIP to withstand significant wave heights and remain remarkably stable, essential for precise oceanographic measurements.

The vessel was constructed in 1962 by the Gunderson Brothers Engineering Company and is operated by the Marine Physical Laboratory at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Its primary function is to facilitate research in various fields, including acoustic studies, meteorology, physical oceanography, and marine biology. FLIP does not have its own propulsion system and must be towed to its research locations.

Inside, FLIP is equipped with laboratories, living quarters, and workspaces designed to function in both horizontal and vertical orientations. This includes reorienting fixtures like beds and toilets, which flip to accommodate the change in position. The vessel can support a crew of five and up to eleven scientists on missions lasting up to a month without resupply.

FLIP's ability to provide a stable platform in rough sea conditions has made it invaluable for studying phenomena such as internal waves, air-sea interactions, and the propagation of sound underwater. The vessel has contributed to numerous scientific discoveries, including understanding how distant storms generate ocean swells and measuring fine-scale currents and wind patterns near the sea surface.

Overall, RV FLIP's innovative design and operational success have made it a cornerstone in oceanographic research, enabling scientists to conduct precise and groundbreaking studies in challenging marine environments.

The Marine Buffs posted
When the FLIP (Floating Instrument Platform) ship transitions from a horizontal to a vertical position,What happens to crew and accomodation??The ship is designed to allow for this transformation, with many features configured to function in both orientations. In the horizontal position, the FLIP operates like a conventional ship with decks and accommodation spaces laid out normally. However, when it flips to a vertical position, the following changes occur: - Decks and Bulkheads: What were horizontal decks become vertical bulkheads, and vice versa. This means the floors and walls essentially swap roles. - Fixtures and Furniture: Many fixtures, including doors, sinks, and toilets, are mounted on swivels or are designed to function in both orientations. For example, doors might be on the floor, and sinks and toilets have dual mountings to be usable when the ship is vertical. - Interior Layout: The interior layout appears unusual with features like portholes on the ceiling and overhead lights positioned to work in both configurations. As the ship tilts, items that were once oriented horizontally are now vertical. - Crew Accommodation: During the flipping process, the crew stands on deck wearing lifejackets. They must adjust to moving between levels that have now become vertical rather than horizontal. Bunks, tables, and other furnishings are designed to pivot, ensuring they remain usable and safe in both orientations. These adaptations make the FLIP a unique and highly specialized research platform, capable of providing a stable environment for scientific research regardless of the sea state.

7:17 video @ 0:00