 RV Western Flyer in Moss Landing
| |
| History | |
|---|---|
| Operator | Florida Institute of Oceanography |
| Identification |
|
| Status | Active |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Research vessel |
| Tonnage | |
| Displacement | 419 LT |
| Length | 117 ft 3+5⁄8 in (35.754 m) |
| Beam | 53 ft (16 m) (moulded) |
| Draft | 12 ft (3.7 m) |
| Installed power |
|
| Propulsion | 2 × 1,250 hp (930 kW) GE propulsion motors |
| Speed | 14.5 knots (26.9 km/h; 16.7 mph) |
| Range | 4,000 nmi (7,400 km; 4,600 mi) at 8 knots (15 km/h; 9.2 mph) |
| Crew | 10 crew, 16 Science Party/ROV Controllers |
| Fuel Capacity: | 22,000 US gal (83,000 L; 18,000 imp gal) |
| Potable Water: | 2,400 US gal (9,100 L; 2,000 imp gal) |
| Clean L.O. Capacity: | 700 US gal (2,600 L; 580 imp gal) |
| Dirty L.O. Capacity: | 700 US gal (2,600 L; 580 imp gal) |
| Ballast Capacity: | 19,530 US gal (73,900 L; 16,260 imp gal) |
| Gray Water: | 300 US gal (1,100 L; 250 imp gal) |
| Black Water: | 280 US gal (1,100 L; 230 imp gal) |
RV Western Flyer is a twin hulled SWATH research vessel operated by the Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO). In November 2022, the R/V Western Flyer was acquired by the Florida Institute of Oceanography and its Host Institution, the University of South Florida. The custom-designed ship was granted to FIO by the Monterrey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) for use as a sailing classroom and platform for FIO’s new ROV and peer mentoring program, providing new opportunities for students who dream of a career in Ocean STEAM.
Its relatively stable SWATH design permits expanded operational capability in rough sea states. It is the platform of operations for the ROV Taurus. The vessel carries 10 crew and 16 science party/ROV operators, for a total complement of 26. Cruises generally occur on the Florida coastlines in the Gulf of Mexico, with the capability for excursions further afield to the Caribbean and Atlantic. The vessel is purposed for the Peerside Program* that focuses on engaging students who typically don’t have access to sea-going platforms. The technologically advanced vessel is increasing access to marine science through at-sea experiences and remote science.