Manta Ray is ready for work, Northrop Grumman completes tests of underwater unmanned vehicle
The United States has completed testing of the Manta Ray underwater unmanned vehicle prototype developed by Northrop Grumman.
The tests took place off the coast of Southern California in February and March 2024. The tests demonstrated the hydrodynamic characteristics of the vehicle at sea. In addition, the engineers successfully tested all the ways to set Manta Ray in motion.
“The successful full-scale testing of Manta Ray confirms the vehicle is ready for real-world operations after being rapidly assembled in the field from modular parts,” said Dr. Kyle Woerner, DARPA’s Manta Ray program manager.
The Manta Ray prototype was delivered from Maryland to the test site in California in a disassembled state. The device has a modular design, so it can be easily deployed anywhere in the world. The underwater drone is capable of performing various tasks of the Navy. It is equipped with many payload compartments of various sizes and types.
Manta Ray is being developed as part of a DARPA initiative aimed at developing critical technologies for future underwater unmanned vehicles (UUVs). According to Northrop Grumman, Manta Ray will have advanced command, control and communications capabilities. This will make it possible to carry out long-term operations with minimal human control.
In 2021, Northrop Grumman was awarded a Phase 2 contract to continue the Manta Ray program that began in 2020. Phase 2 of the project involves the development of full-scale demonstration vehicles by two prime contractors: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation and Martin Defense Group. Each contractor was tasked with creating unique vehicles to demonstrate specific capabilities within the Manta Ray program.
