NEW DELHI: Nothing is hidden from the eagle-eyed Google Maps, not even a top-secret US submarine. Recently, Google Maps spotted a classified US submarine prototype weapon, dubbed “Manta Ray,” stood out in stark contrast to the other ships in the harbor.
The distinctive vessel, which resembles something out of “Star Wars,” was captured in satellite images while docked at Port Hueneme naval base in California, New York Post reported.
DARPA is done with in-water testing of Manta Ray
The Manta Ray prototype uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) built by performer Northrop Grumman completed full-scale, in-water testing off the coast of Southern California in February and March 2024.
According to Dr. Kyle Woerner, the Manta Ray program manager at the defence advanced research projects agency, the craft utilizes “efficient, buoyancy-driven gliding to move through the water.” Woerner stated in an agency news release, “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,” she added.
“The combination of cross-country modular transportation, in-field assembly, and subsequent deployment demonstrates a first-of-kind capability for an extra-large UUV.”
Northrop Grumman shipped the Manta Ray prototype in subsections from the build location in Maryland to its test location in California. The demonstrated ease of shipping and assembly supports the possibility of rapid deployment throughout the world without crowding valuable pier space at naval facilities, according to the agency.
“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.”
The Manta Ray’s modular design allows it to be disassembled and transported using standard shipping containers, eliminating the need for specialized port facilities. The US Navy conducted extensive testing of the craft off the Southern California coast for more than three months, as reported by the Telegraph.
Defense analysts believe that the Navy’s focus on developing drone technology is a strategic response to the submarine operations of Russia and China.
Russians have been developing underwater drones of their own, and last year announced plans to acquire nearly three dozen such vessels.
The US adversary claims its drone has a range of about 6,200 miles, can be armed with nukes, and can reach speeds of up to 100 knots — or about 115 mph.
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