Northrop Grumman’s Manta Ray underwater test bed completed at-sea trials this year, validating its ability to operate below the waves and with minimal human contact. The prototype is an extra large unmanned underwater vehicle that was assembled on the East Coast and tested off the coast of California without any issues.
The Manta Ray project was initiated by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency in 2020 to develop a large underwater drone capable of operating independently. Northrop’s prototype, which is modular and autonomous, aims to reduce logistical demands and free up manpower by surviving in undersea environments for long periods.
The Department of Defense is increasingly interested in uncrewed technologies, such as the Manta Ray prototype, which features multiple bays for payloads. The Navy plans to establish hybrid fleets that combine manned and unmanned assets, with the goal of becoming fully operational in the coming years.
Next steps for the Manta Ray program involve discussions between the Navy and DARPA regarding additional testing and potential technology transfers. Overall, the prototype represents a significant advancement in autonomous underwater technology with the ability to operate without human interaction for extended periods.
