U.S Top Secret Submarine Prototype Weapon ‘Manta Ray’ Visible On Google Maps

The U.S. Navy’s top-secret autonomous submarine, the “Manta Ray,” was recently spotted by eagle-eyed Google Maps users at the Port Hueneme Naval Base in California.

The visual of the same went viral rapidly but was soon mysteriously replaced with multiple “edited” boats.

The Manta Ray, a prototype uncrewed underwater vehicle, was built by the performer Northrop Grumman as part of a U.S. Navy project to develop long-range underwater weapons.

It has drawn attention for its sleek design, which resembles a sea creature known for its broad, diamond-shaped body.

The advanced underwater drone can anchor itself deep underwater, operate on low power, and slumber on the sea floor for extended periods without refuelling.

Dr. Kyle Woerner, Manta Ray program manager at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), highlighted the drone’s innovative propulsion method.

The UUV prototype navigates through the water using an efficient, buoyancy-driven glide.

After the full-scale testing of Manta Ray, Woerner added that the UUV is prepared for real-world operations.

Another notable feature of the Manta Ray is its modular design.

It has many payload bays of different sizes and types to accommodate a wide range of naval missile sets.

The design also enables the vessel to be disassembled and transported in shipping containers of standard size without the need for specialized port facilities.

The US Navy spent over three months rigorously testing the Manta Ray off the coast of Southern California, demonstrating its at-sea hydrodynamic capabilities, including submerged operations with buoyancy, propellors and control surfaces.

Defense analysts believe that the development of Manta Ray-like drone technology is intended to counter Russia and China’s submarine operations.

Both countries are known to be developing their own drone technologies.

Russia, in particular, is developing underwater drones with a range of approximately 6,200 miles, nuclear bombs, and speeds of up to 100 knots (115 mph).

DARPA’s press release highlighted the Manta Ray’s strategic importance, stating that its success would provide the combatant commander with enhanced capacity without disrupting current operations and, once deployed, would be independent of manned vessels and ports.

The Manta Ray’s modular design, long-term underwater capability, and strategic potential represent a significant advancement in underwater drone technology.

As global tensions rise, developing and deploying such advanced unmanned systems will certainly play an important role in future naval operations.

PacMar Technologies, a second Manta Ray performer, is currently testing its full-scale energy system.

Reference: NDTV, TOI

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