Successful Completion of In-Water Testing for Manta Ray UUV Prototype

The Manta Ray prototype uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) has successfully completed full-scale, in-water testing off the coast of Southern California, marking a significant milestone in advancing key technologies for future UUV designs.

Built through a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) program, the Manta Ray prototype demonstrated at-sea hydrodynamic performance, showcasing its ability to operate using various modes of propulsion and steering. Dr. Kyle Woerner, DARPA program manager for Manta Ray, expressed confidence in the vehicle’s readiness for real-world operations after being rapidly assembled in the field from modular subsections.

Northrop Grumman, the company behind the Manta Ray prototype, shipped the vehicle in subsections from Maryland to California, highlighting the ease of transportation and assembly. This capability opens up the possibility of rapid deployment worldwide without the need for extensive pier space at naval facilities.

The Manta Ray aims to develop a new class of long-duration, long-range, payload-capable UUVs for persistent operations in dynamic maritime environments. DARPA is collaborating with the U.S. Navy on the next steps for testing and transitioning this technology.

In addition to Northrop Grumman, a second Manta Ray performer, PacMar Technologies, is continuing testing of its full-scale energy harvesting system in 2024. The successful testing of the Manta Ray prototype represents a significant advancement in the field of underwater vehicle technology, with potential implications for future naval missions and operations.