Unmanned underwater vehicle Manta Ray UUV completes testing phase

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) announces that the sea tests of the Manta Ray UUV prototype of the American aerospace and defense technology company Northrop Grumman were successful

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) announced Wednesday that a Northrop Grumman-built prototype unmanned underwater vehicle has successfully passed a series of crucial tests.

In February and March 2024, the Manta Ray unmannedunderwater vehicle (UUV) prototype, developed by Northrop Grumman, underwent thorough testing in the water off the coast of Southern California.

The tests examined the UUV’s hydrodynamic capabilities, specifically its performance in underwater operations utilizing different methods of propelling and steering, such as buoyancy, propellers and control surfaces.

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

Designed for sustained operation in harsh maritime environments, the Manta Ray initiative seeks to create a new unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) capable of long-range, long-duration missions and carrying a substantial payload.

DARPA and the U.S. Navy are coordinating additional testing and integration of the technology.

PacMar Technologies, a collaborator in the Manta Ray project, will continue testing its complete energy harvesting system until 2024.

Source: Newsroom