The Manta Ray Underwater Drone Is Even More Enormous Than Everyone Thought

Northrop Grumman’s Manta Ray long-endurance submersible drone demonstrator has recently undergone significant advancements, marked by the release of new imagery during in-water testing off the Southern California coast. Developed under the Manta Ray program for DARPA, this extra-large unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) aims to showcase critical technologies for a new class of very long-endurance payload-capable UUVs.

The recent testing validated the vehicle’s hydrodynamic performance, including submerged operations using various modes of propulsion and steering. Notably, the Manta Ray’s size necessitated transportation in subsections from Maryland to California, highlighting its potential for rapid global deployability without monopolizing naval pier space.

Dr. Kyle Woerner, DARPA program manager for Manta Ray, emphasized the successful testing as a validation of the vehicle’s readiness for real-world operations, highlighting its unique capability for rapid assembly from modular subsections. The design allows for direct deployment to the intended area of operation, conserving energy typically expended during transit. Once deployed, the UUV utilizes efficient gliding propelled by energy-saving and energy-generating technologies, enabling long-duration, long-range missions in inaccessible ocean environments.

“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,” Dr. Kyle Woerner said. “The combination of cross-country modular transportation, in-field assembly, and subsequent deployment demonstrates a first-of-kind capability for an extra-large UUV.”

“Shipping the vehicle directly to its intended area of operation conserves energy that the vehicle would otherwise expend during transit,” said Woerner. “Once deployed, the vehicle uses efficient, buoyancy-driven gliding to move through the water. The craft is designed with several payload bays of multiple sizes and types to enable a wide variety of naval mission sets.”

Inspired by the manta ray’s graceful glide, Northrop Grumman’s prototype features a lifting body with sea glider-like properties and two smaller propellers for propulsion. These advancements aim to fulfill the Navy’s need for a new class of UUVs capable of carrying various payloads for extended periods.

The Manta Ray program represents a significant investment by the Department of Defense, with multiple contractors competing to provide innovative solutions. Northrop Grumman, along with PacMar Technologies, continues to advance prototypes, demonstrating the commitment to enhancing the Navy’s UUV capabilities.

The Navy’s interest in UUVs of various tiers, including the extra-large category represented by Manta Ray, aligns with broader strategic goals for maritime operations. The acquisition of diverse UUV capabilities, such as the Orca extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicle from Boeing, underscores the importance of unmanned platforms in future naval warfare scenarios.

Moreover, international competition, particularly from China, underscores the strategic significance of investing in advanced UUV technologies. As the DoD continues to prioritize the development of future Navy UUVs, it signifies a substantial commitment to leveraging unmanned platforms for enhanced maritime capabilities.