[www.keralites.net] 355 ft ship that can rotate 90 degrees in the water to transform into research unit

 

355 ft ship that can rotate 90 degrees in the water to transform into research unit 
 

• The RV FLIP looks like it might be an April Fool, but it as been working hard for more than 50 years 
• The 355-foot vessel can flip 90 degrees in 20 minutes allowing researchers a unique opportunity to study the ocean
• The vessel does not have its own form or propulsion and relies on tugs to tow it to the area of study 
• The RV FLIP was commissioned in 1962 and can sit still in heavy seas with more than 300 feet beneath the waves

 

 

The RV Flip does not have its own engine and has to be towed to the location of scientific study, where it turns 90 degrees, leaving just 50 feet above the surface. 

The reason behind the flip, is that with 300 feet below the surface, the vessel becomes incredibly stable. Instead of bobbing up and down on the waves like a traditional boat, it keeps its position. 

Scroll down for video 

 

While floating on the surface the RV FLIP looks as if the back of the vessel has suffered a catastrophic accident leaving only a spine

 

As the vessel sinks below the surface, it looks like it is about to break up and plunge to the bottom of the ocean

 

The vessel uses a system of ballast tanks which fill with water to shift the centre of gravity in the vessel moving it to 90 degrees 

After 20 minutes, the RV FLIP is safely positioned at 90 degrees allowing the researchers to begin their various experiments
 

Inside the bathrooms the designers have installed sinks which are at 90 degrees to each other to cope with the flip process 
 

The designers initially considered converting a submarine for this unusual mission but soon decided starting from scratch was better
 

The vessel is more than 355 feet long and has been specially designed to cope with the stress of tipping over by 90 degrees 
 

 

Operators flood the ballast tanks to turn the vessel on its tail and then pump out the water using air to re-float it 

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Posted by: SKumar <sreekumar949@yahoo.in>

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