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A dynamic era in naval oceanography recently ended as the iconic Floating Instrument Platform — popularly known as FLIP — was officially retired from service. Built in 1962 with funding from the Office of Naval Research (ONR), FLIP helped generations of scientists and oceanographers better understand the mysteries of the sea, including internal waves, air-sea interaction and long-range sound propagation. Sadly, age and exorbitant life-extension costs resulted in the platform being disestablished. On Aug. 3, a solemn gathering of well-wishers watched as FLIP was towed, at sunset, to a dismantling and recycling facility. Last month, a formal good-bye ceremony was hosted by the Marine Physical Laboratory at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Though retired, FLIP will live on at Scripps. One of its booms (crane-like arms for suspending instruments) will be installed on the Scripps research pier in La Jolla and used to deploy instruments. Also, artifacts from the platform will be displayed in a permanent exhibit at Scripps’ Birch Aquarium.

The Office of Naval Research's Power Electronics & Electromagnetism, Adaptive & Machinery Controls and Advanced Machinery Systems program supports the Navy’s interest in advanced naval power and energy systems science and technology, and autonomous technology.

The proposed topic will explore and exploit the lack of underwater propulsion systems that can efficiently work across a wide variety of speeds over long distances. In particular, this effort is interested in a propulsion system able to transition between low and high speeds, to include the ability to stop and re-start at any time. Other desired characteristics will be briefed at the event. The program will pursue technologies and systems that support development and demonstration of a system that can propel an underwater vehicle in the ways listed. Further mission profile details will be provided at the Industry Day.