Even the most secretive US submarine will not be hidden from Google Maps, which has eyes like that of an eagle. Recently, Google Maps caught sight of a classified US submarine prototype weapon nicknamed “Manta Ray” in stark contrast to other ships in the harbor.
The unique ship looks like something out of Star Wars and was spotted when it was docked at Port Hueneme naval base in California according to the New York Post which says the Manta Ray craft is a distinctive vehicle similar to something straight out of Star Wars.
DARPA will complete water tests for Manta Ray
In February and March 2024, performer Northrop Grumman’s full scale, underwater test bed for the uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) known as Manta Ray took place off Southern California coasts.
According to Dr. Kyle Woerner who is DARPA’s Manta Ray program manager, this vessel glides through water using buoyancy as its driving force. Woerner said 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 capability to transport across many miles with field-assembly followed by deployment sets a precedent for large extra-large UUVs.”
Northrop Grumman transported sections of its Maryland-built Manta Ray prototype across country to California for testing. This ease of shipping and assembly enables rapid global deployment without occupying valuable naval pier space per agency officials.
“Direct shipment of the vehicle to its designated theater avoids potential energy expenditure by travel on it,” noted 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.”
Manta Rays are capable of being taken apart into smaller parts and shipped in standard shipping containers, which eliminates the need for special ports. The Telegraph reports that the US Navy conducted tests on this vessel off the coast of Southern California for more than three months.
Analysts say the focus of American naval development towards drones is a response to China’s and Russia’s submarine operations.
Russians have been developing underwater drones of their own, and last year announced plans to acquire nearly three dozen such vessels.
The US opponent states that its drone has a range of 6200 miles and can be armed with nukes while flying at speeds up to 100 knots/ or about 115 mph.
