Manta Ray: US Military’s Submarine Drone Spotted on Google Maps

USA Today reports that an object resembling the U.S. military’s new submarine drone, known as the Manta Ray, has been seemingly spotted on Google Maps at California’s Port Hueneme naval base. This unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) is part of a program by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) aimed at developing long-duration, payload-capable drones for naval operations.

The Manta Ray: A New Era of Underwater Drones

The Manta Ray, designed by Northrop Grumman, is an extra-large UUV shaped like its namesake sea creature. It’s built to glide through water autonomously, without any human occupants. DARPA’s goal for this project is to create UUVs capable of “persistent operations in dynamic maritime environments.”

According to DARPA’s news release, the Manta Ray successfully completed full-scale testing off Southern California’s coast between February and March 2024. The tests evaluated the drone’s propulsion, steering, and flotation capabilities.

Kyle Woerner, DARPA’s program manager, stated, “Our successful, full-scale Manta Ray testing validates the vehicle’s readiness to advance toward real-world operations after being rapidly assembled in the field from modular subsections.”

From Maryland to California: A Testament to Mobility

The Manta Ray prototype was initially built in Maryland and then shipped to California in subsections for testing. This modular design allows for easy transportation and assembly, suggesting potential for rapid global deployment without overcrowding naval facilities.

Woerner explained the efficiency of this approach: “Shipping the vehicle directly to its intended area of operation conserves energy that the vehicle would otherwise expend during transit.”

The Future of Underwater Drones

DARPA is currently working with the Navy to assess the next steps for testing the Manta Ray and exploring its future applications. Meanwhile, Honolulu-based PacMar Technologies is also conducting tests on their own Manta Ray vehicle, focusing on low-power and high-efficiency underwater operations.

DroneXL’s Take

The development of the Manta Ray submarine drone represents a significant leap forward in underwater drone technology. Its modular design and long-range capabilities could revolutionize naval operations, from surveillance to underwater mapping and beyond. As we’ve seen with aerial drones, the potential applications for such advanced underwater vehicles are vast and could extend beyond military use to scientific research, environmental monitoring, and even commercial applications in the future. The successful testing of the Manta Ray opens up exciting possibilities for the expansion of drone technology into new frontiers beneath the waves.

Photo credit: Northrop Grumman