In a significant development for naval technology, what appears to be the US military's new submarine drone, known as the Manta Ray, has been spotted on Google Maps at California's Port Hueneme naval base. This sighting, reported by USA Today, offers a rare glimpse into the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) cutting-edge unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) program.
Top-secret US underwater drone "Manta Ray" spotted on Google Maps.
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The Manta Ray, shaped like its namesake sea creature, is part of DARPA's initiative to create a new class of long-duration, long-range UUVs capable of persistent operations in dynamic maritime environments. Designed by aerospace and defense technology company Northrop Grumman, this extra-large UUV can glide through water without human occupants.
USA Today reports that the prototype's visibility on Google's geographical service has sparked online discussions. The image shows an object with a distinctive manta ray shape situated between two vessels at the Ventura County naval base. DARPA has not responded to requests for confirmation of the sighting.
Government Creates "Top Secret" Submarine Prototype Called The "Manta Ray" - Google Maps User Immediately Spots It Docked In California https://t.co/AY0VfLfjTH pic.twitter.com/3wDADtN1Th
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Earlier this year, the Manta Ray successfully completed full-scale testing off the Southern California coast. Northrop Grumman shared images of the prototype partially submerged during these trials. 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."
The tests, conducted between February and March, evaluated the vehicle's propulsion and steering capabilities, including its propellers and control surfaces. This achievement marks a significant step towards the operational deployment of the technology.
One of the Manta Ray's notable features is its modular design. Built in Maryland and shipped to California in sections, the prototype demonstrates the potential for global rapid deployment without overwhelming naval facilities. "Shipping the vehicle directly to its intended area of operation conserves energy that the vehicle would otherwise expend during transit," Woerner explained to USA Today.
DARPA is also collaborating with Honolulu-based PacMar Technologies on a parallel Manta Ray project. PacMar's version, described as part of a "new class of long-duration, long-range autonomous underwater vehicle," is scheduled for further low-power and high-efficiency underwater testing in 2024.
