A top-secret autonomous submarine developed by the U.S Navy for long-term underwater missions was recently discovered on Google Maps by people exploring the coasts around Naval Base San Diego. Curious Google Maps users noticed what looked like an American prototype weapon submarine, named the ‘Manta Ray,’ at the Port Hueneme naval base in California.
The Manta Ray, named for its sleek design and ability to operate in low-power mode while anchored deep underwater, was created by Northrop Grumman. This is part of the Navy initiative to develop long-range underwater weapons. The unmanned undersea vessel (UUV) is engineered to showcase the entry of essential technologies for a new generation of long-duration, long-range, payload-capable UUVs onto the world stage. It has the capability to hibernate on the seafloor for extended periods without requiring refueling.
Prototype testing complete under US Navy
Dr. Kyle Woerner, the Manta Ray program manager at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), detailed in a news release that the drone employs “efficient, buoyancy-driven gliding to navigate through the water.” He remarked, “Our successful, full-scale Manta Ray testing confirms the vehicle’s readiness for real-world operations.”
According to the Telegraph, the U.S Navy conducted over three months of rigorous testing off the coast of Southern California. DARPA stated that these field tests showcased the drone’s hydrodynamic performance at sea, including submerged operations using all propulsion and steering methods: buoyancy, propellers, and control surfaces.
One standout feature of the ‘Star Wars’-like vessel is its modular design, which includes various payload bays to accommodate a range of naval missions. This design also allows the craft to be disassembled and transported in standard shipping containers, eliminating the need for specialized port facilities.
DARPA noted that if successful, this new class of UUV would increase operational capacity without disrupting existing activities, as it would remain independent of manned vessels and ports once deployed. Defense analysts believe the U.S Navy’s focus on drone technology aims to counter the submarine operations of Russia and China, whose underwater drones reportedly have a range of approximately 6,200 miles, can carry nuclear warheads, and reach speeds of up to 100 knots (about 115 mph).
The prototype’s capabilities
The Manta Ray boasts a distinctive size and shape designed to conserve power and energy for extended missions. It is classified as an extra-large glider UUV (XLUUV).
Gliders, a type of UUV deployed since the 1960s, are utilized by organizations like DARPA, the U.S Navy, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to collect data on lengthy missions. These gliders only need to adjust buoyancy briefly at the top or bottom of their path, gliding forward the rest of the time using minimal power. This efficient technology allows the Manta Ray to save energy for prolonged missions. According to the Navy, XLUUVs are too large to be launched from ships or submarines and must instead be deployed from a pier.
The Manta Ray’s substantial size enhances its endurance, offering more space for power systems and the capacity to carry essential payloads or sensors for various long-range, long-duration missions. During tests, the Manta Ray demonstrated its capability to glide, ascend and descend, turn, hover, and anchor. It can perform some of these tasks autonomously, reducing the need for on-site human logistics or a human operator.
Drones have revolutionized modern warfare by providing unparalleled surveillance, precision strikes, and reduced risk to human soldiers. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) offer real-time intelligence, allowing for more informed decision-making and enhanced situational awareness. Precision-guided drone strikes minimize collateral damage and target critical assets with high accuracy.
Additionally, drones can perform reconnaissance and combat missions in hostile environments without endangering pilots. Their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and ability to operate in various terrains make them indispensable in contemporary military strategy, reshaping how conflicts are monitored and managed on a global scale.
