The Manta Ray UUV prototype – Image credit:Northrop Grumman
On April 8, 2024,Northrop Grummanannounced the completion of the assembly of theManta Ray, a full-sized UUV (uncrewed underwater vehicle). The Manta Ray is an extra-large glider built for independent, long-duration operation in underwater missions without the need for a human crew.
The Manta Ray’s key features include extended endurance, autonomous operation, energy-saving capabilities, modularity for easy deployment, and payload capacity. The program is focused on developing a new class of UUVs that can operate independently and autonomously for extended durations.
The Manta Ray UUV
Named after the large eponymous manta ray fish, the Manta Ray program was designed as part of the DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) program, aiming to develop a new class of UUVs that can operate independently for long-duration, long-range underwater missions—no human intervention necessary.
The program focuses on advancing critical technologies like high-efficiency propulsion systems and energy management, low-power hazard detection, extended mission management, utilization of maritime data, and material durability. Just some of the Manta Ray’s impressive attributes are its ability to anchor to the seafloor, hibernate in a low-power state, and operate without on-site human logistics.
The DARPA Program
In response to the launch of Sputnik in 1957, theDARPA(Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) was founded to ensure that the U.S. would lead in technological innovation and not be caught off guard by adversaries. Through the demonstration of critical technologies, and in line with DARPA’s mission, the Manta Ray program aims to ensure that the U.S. keeps its head start in undersea warfare capabilities.
These UUVs will also have the potential to enhance the operational flexibility of traditional host vessels, while simultaneously relieving workload pressures on servicing ports. Eliminating the need for human-present logistic support or maintenance will also greatly reduce the risk of disruptions to ongoing operations. Key technologies include novel energy management techniques, low-power propulsion systems, and innovative approaches to mission management.
Northrop Grumman’s Uncrewed Technology
The Manta Ray isn’t the firstunmanned vehicleoffering from aerospace and defense technology giant, Northrop Grumman. As a leader in autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, the company also has theAQS-24B Minehunting System, a highly intelligent sonar system with superior image resolution and high-speed sonar processing.
Other designs include theMQ-4C Triton, an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) that provides real-time intelligence and surveillance over vast regions, theGlobal Hawk, a UAS that can fly at great altitudes for more than 30 hours, and theBat UAS, an affordable and versatile medium-altitude system that can be configured with various fuel tank sizes and sensor payloads.
The Manta Ray UUV—Summary
The Manta Ray program focuses on at-sea demonstrations to verify critical technologies employing a disciplined systems engineering approach to define objectives and identify further technologies for future systems. Successful implementation of these technologies will lead to the deployment of self-sufficient UUVs with increased capacity that won’t disrupt ongoing operations.
Providing increased operational flexibility for traditional host vessels, and reducing workload for servicing ports, the Manta Ray program is set to revolutionize undersea warfare capabilities and reinforce the U.S.’s strategic advantage in this important sector.
