Northrop Grumman has presented the first prototype of the Manta Ray unmanned underwater vehicle, which is being developed to manage advanced research projects of the US Department of Defense (DARPA). The super-large glider is designed to carry out long-distance underwater missions without human assistance, in particular, to carry a payload. The device will be equipped with energy-saving systems that allow it to work for a long time without recharging. Manta Ray will be able to anchor to the bottom and go into a deep sleep mode, saving energy. The modular design will allow it to be easily transported around the world and assembled on site.
Manta Ray combines the hydrodynamics of skates with high-tech autonomous systems and an energy-saving power plant. Not much is known about it, but the car must be long-range and large-sized. The Manta Ray is designed to carry a variety of payloads for a variety of tasks with an emphasis on endurance rather than speed.
According to Northrop Grumman, the Manta Ray prototype will be a platform for testing advanced underwater autonomous technologies. The glider will be equipped with energy-saving systems that allow it to work for a long time without recharging. The device will be able to be attached to the bottom and go into deep sleep mode, saving energy. Manta Ray's modular design will allow it to be easily transported around the world. Five standard transport containers are required for transportation. Assembly of the device will be carried out on site.
"Manta Ray will provide the ability to deliver payloads from the sea, making it a critical component of underwater warfare and the concept’Joint Command and Control of all areas of the Department of Defense (JADC2)", — said Alan Little, vice president of strategy and mission solutions at Northrop Grumman.
In 2021, DARPA awarded contracts to Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Laboratories and Navatek LLC, launching the Manta Ray program.