In a significant advancement for uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs), Northrop Grumman, under the guidance of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), has completed crucial testing of a new UUV named Manta Ray. This innovative drone promises to enhance long-duration, long-range missions in ocean environments.
Innovative Design and Capabilities The Manta Ray, inspired by its namesake’s form, boasts a streamlined design optimized for underwater navigation. Although the full specifications remain confidential, DARPA’s vision for the drone includes cutting-edge technology enabling energy harvesting from underwater sources and materials resistant to biofouling and corrosion.
Testing and Development February and March witnessed the full-scale, in-water testing of the Manta Ray off Southern California’s coast. Evaluations focused on the drone’s hydrodynamic behavior, buoyancy, propeller efficiency, and control surface operations. Additionally, the testing phase included assessing the logistics of deploying the vehicle, which was transported in subsections from Maryland to California and assembled on-site.
Future Prospects The successful completion of these tests signifies the Manta Ray’s preparedness for real-world applications. While primarily intended for military use, the U.S. Navy is actively involved in planning further evaluations. The drone’s potential for rapid global deployment marks a pivotal development in underwater exploration and defense capabilities.
Ongoing Research Parallel to Northrop Grumman’s efforts, PacMar Technologies continues to refine its version of the Manta Ray. With a focus on energy harvesting systems, PacMar’s contributions are set to undergo testing in 2024, furthering DARPA’s mission to pioneer multi-functional UUVs.