RV Western Flyer is a twin hulled SWATH research vessel operated by the Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO).

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[1] that focuses on engaging students who typically don’t have access to sea-going platforms.

Propulsion power is transmitted through two duplicate drive trains, each consisting of a DC electric motor and fixed pitch propeller.

R/V Western Flyer was designed and built by SWATH Ocean Systems in 1996 for Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI).