Northrop Grumman's Manta Ray UUV Surpasses Expectations In California Water Tests

In a groundbreaking development for the world of underwater exploration and defense, Northrop Grumman successfully completed in-water testing of their innovative Manta Ray UUV (Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle) off the coast of Southern California. This significant milestone, achieved in February and March 2024, marks a critical step towards operational deployment of this cutting-edge technology.

The Manta Ray UUV, a product of Northrop Grumman's collaboration with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), has been designed to revolutionize long-duration, long-range, and payload-capable undersea missions. This extra-large glider, built as part of DARPA's Manta Ray program, aims to operate autonomously, without the need for on-site human logistics. The testing phase off the coast of Southern California showcased the vehicle's impressive capabilities, including submerged operations using all its modes of propulsion and steering: buoyancy, propellers, and control surfaces.

​Dr. Kyle Woerner, the DARPA program manager for Manta Ray, expressed his enthusiasm about the successful testing, stating, "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 ease of shipping and assembly demonstrated during the tests supports the potential for rapid deployment worldwide, without the need for extensive pier space at naval facilities.

The Manta Ray UUV is a significant leap forward in underwater technology, promising to enhance the U.S. Navy's capabilities in dynamic maritime environments. The vehicle is designed to manage energy, increase payload capacity, and utilize low-power propulsion systems, among other advanced features. With Northrop Grumman's successful testing, the U.S. Navy is now in talks with DARPA on the next steps for testing and transitioning this technology to operational readiness.

This development comes at a time when the U.S. Navy is actively pursuing new robotic vessels to bolster its fleet and enhance its operational capabilities. As the global maritime landscape continues to evolve, the Manta Ray UUV represents a significant advancement in the Navy's vision for a hybrid fleet, capable of meeting the challenges of the future.

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