Unmanned underwater vehicle inspired by Manta Ray successfully completes in-water testing | Lifestyle

The Manta Ray prototype, a Thunderbirds-style military vehicle, has successfully completed in-water testing off the coast of Southern California. Manufactured by Northrop Grumman, the uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) is designed for long-duration undersea missions. The vehicle was built through the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) program.

Although the specific future missions of the Manta Ray have not been disclosed, Northrop Grumman describes it as a “new class of UUV” capable of operating long-duration, long-range, and payload-capable undersea missions without the need for on-site human logistics. The testing demonstrated the vehicle’s at-sea hydrodynamic performance, including submerged operations using all modes of propulsion and steering: buoyancy, propellers, and control surfaces.

Dr. Kyle Woerner, DARPA program manager for Manta Ray, expressed satisfaction with the successful testing, stating that it validates the vehicle’s readiness for real-world operations. The vehicle can be rapidly assembled in the field from modular subsections, showcasing a first-of-its-kind capability for an extra-large UUV.

Northrop Grumman shipped the prototype in subsections from Maryland to California for testing, demonstrating the ease of shipping and assembly. This supports the possibility of rapid deployment worldwide without occupying valuable pier space at naval facilities. The efficient transportation and deployment process conserve energy that the vehicle would otherwise expend during transit. Once deployed, the Manta Ray utilizes efficient, buoyancy-driven gliding to move through the water and is equipped with multiple payload bays to enable a wide variety of naval mission sets.

DARPA is currently engaging with the U.S. Navy on the next steps for testing and transitioning this technology. The successful testing of the Manta Ray prototype marks a significant advancement in the development of advanced underwater vehicles for military applications. With its long-duration capabilities and payload capacity, the Manta Ray could potentially revolutionize undersea missions and enhance the Navy’s operational capabilities.

Overall, the completion of in-water testing for the Manta Ray prototype represents a major milestone in the field of underwater vehicle technology. The successful demonstration of its capabilities paves the way for future advancements in long-duration undersea missions and highlights the innovative potential of unmanned underwater vehicles in military operations.