A mysterious and sophisticated unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV), dubbed the "Manta Ray," has recently garnered significant attention after it was spotted on Google Maps.
The sleek, autonomous vessel, belonging to the US, was seen docked at the Port Hueneme naval base in California, sparking intrigue and speculation about its capabilities and purpose. The Manta Ray is a top-secret submarine prototype developed by Northrop Grumman as part of a US Navy project aimed at creating long-range underwater weapons.
What is the Manta Ray?
Named after the sea creature for its smooth, sleek design and ability to operate in low-power mode while anchored deep underwater, the Manta Ray can hibernate on the sea floor for extended periods without needing to refuel. This feature allows it to remain undetected and ready for rapid deployment.
Kyle Woerner, the program manager at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in the US, highlighted the drone's innovative design and capabilities. “Our successful, full-scale Manta Ray testing validates the vehicle’s readiness to advance toward real-world operations,” Woerner said in a press release last month.
“The craft is designed with several payload bays of multiple sizes and types to enable a wide variety of naval mission sets.”
What features sets the Manta Ray apart?
The Manta Ray's modular design is one of its standout features, allowing it to be disassembled and transported in ordinary shipping containers. This eliminates the need for dedicated port facilities and enables rapid deployment to various global locations.
“Shipping the vehicle directly to its intended area of operation conserves energy that the vehicle would otherwise expend during transit,” explained Dr. Woerner.
DARPA program manager Kyle Woerner (right) talks with a member of the Northrop Grumman team while standing atop the Manta Ray vehicle. DARPA
The drone uses efficient, buoyancy-driven gliding to move through the water, a method that conserves energy and enhances its stealth capabilities.
Full-scale, in-water testing conducted off the coast of Southern California in early 2024 demonstrated the Manta Ray's hydrodynamic performance, including submerged operations using all its propulsion and steering modes: buoyancy, propellers, and control surfaces.
“Once deployed, the vehicle uses efficient, buoyancy-driven gliding to move through the water. The craft is designed with several payload bays of multiple sizes and types to enable a wide variety of naval mission sets,” Woerner added.
This testing phase validated the drone's readiness for real-world operations and showcased its ease of shipping and assembly, supporting the possibility of rapid deployment worldwide.
How will the Manta Ray serve US defence?
The development of the Manta Ray is part of a broader US Navy strategy to counter the submarine operations of adversaries like Russia and China. Defence analysts believe that the push for advanced drone technology is a response to the growing capabilities of these nations.
Russia, for example, has been developing its underwater drones and has announced plans to acquire nearly three dozen such vessels. Their drones boast a range of about 6,200 miles, can be armed with nuclear weapons, and can reach speeds of up to 100 knots (approximately 115 mph), reported UK's Telegraph.
Manta Ray vehicle on the surface between test dives off the coast of Southern California. Northrop Grumman
The US Navy has spent over three months testing the Manta Ray off the coast of Southern California, according to a report by the Telegraph. This rigourous testing phase is crucial to ensuring the drone's operational readiness and effectiveness in various maritime environments.
The Manta Ray program is a multi-phase effort aimed at developing a new class of long-duration, long-range, payload-capable UUVs ready for persistent operations in dynamic maritime environments. DARPA is actively engaging with the US Navy on the next steps for further testing and transitioning this technology.
A second performer, PacMar Technologies, is continuing testing of its full-scale energy harvesting system in 2024. This system is expected to enhance the Manta Ray's endurance and operational capabilities, making it a formidable asset in naval warfare.
During a defence conference in National Harbor, Maryland, Northrop Grumman showcased the Manta Ray prototype, highlighting its advanced features and potential applications.
The Manta Ray is classified as an extra-large glider UUV, or XLUUV. Northrop Grumman
An engineer from the defence contractor noted that evaluations revealed "no leaks or ground faults or other build issues," indicating the robustness and reliability of the drone's design, reported Axios.
The US Navy's future plans include a fleet comprising approximately 373 crewed ships and 150 un-crewed vessels, as outlined in a service strategy known as the Navigation Plan. Un-crewed systems like the Manta Ray are expected to reduce logistical demands, boost surveillance capabilities, and augment the firepower available to sailors and Marines.
While much of its operations remain shrouded in secrecy, the available information highlights its potential impact on naval warfare and strategic military operations.
With inputs from agencies