The futuristic design of the submarine, known as the "Manta Ray," was spotted docked at the Port Hueneme naval base in California, causing a stir among military and aeronautical enthusiasts.
The Manta Ray, named for its resemblance to the marine creature and its capacity to remain submerged for extended periods, is the creation of Northrop Grumman. This autonomous vessel forms part of a broader U.S. Navy initiative to enhance the nation's long-range underwater fleet with unmanned vehicles. The submarine underwent several months of testing off the Southern California coast earlier this year.
Northrop Grumman, the defense behemoth, shared images of the Manta Ray gliding underwater. Dr. Kyle Woerner, program manager for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, confirmed the submarine's ability to stay on the sea floor for extended periods without refueling. "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," Woerner stated.
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He further praised the Manta Ray's ease of assembly in confined spaces, noting that "Shipping the vehicle directly to its intended area of operation conserves energy that the vehicle would otherwise expend during transit." The agency is collaborating with the military to schedule additional testing and map out potential future applications for the vessel.
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This development underscores the Navy's prioritization of drone technology, a strategic move seen as necessary to keep pace with Russian and Chinese advancements in the field. The unveiling of the Manta Ray not only showcases the U.S. military's commitment to innovation but also its dedication to maintaining a competitive edge in global defense technology.
