DARPA Successfully Tests Prototype 'Manta Ray' Drone Submarine in Southern California

The U.S. Department of Defense's DARPA has successfully tested a prototype 'Manta Ray' underwater drone off the coast of Southern California. The tests, conducted in February and March 2024, demonstrated the vehicle's ability to be rapidly assembled from modular subsections and deployed for long-range, payload-capable missions without human involvement.

The Manta Ray is a long-range, long-duration uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) designed to handle a variety of payloads. It features a modular construction that allows it to be shipped in sections and assembled in the field without requiring dedicated facilities. The recent tests focused on evaluating the Manta Ray's hydrodynamic performance, propulsion, steering, buoyancy, and control systems.

Why this matters: The successful testing of the Manta Ray signifies a notable achievement in the development of autonomous, long-endurance underwater drones capable of carrying out diverse missions. This technology could enhance the U.S. Navy's capabilities in areas such as underwater surveillance, mine detection, and oceanographic research.

DARPA program manager stated, "The successful testing validates the vehicle's readiness to advance toward real-world operations after being rapidly assembled in the field from modular subsections." The Manta Ray prototype was shipped in subsections from Maryland to California, showcasing its ease of transportation and assembly, which supports the possibility of rapid deployment worldwide without requiring naval facilities.

The vehicle uses efficient, buoyancy-driven gliding to move through the water and has multiple payload bays to enable a wide variety of naval mission sets. DARPA is now engaging with the U.S. Navy on the next steps for further testing and transition of this technology.

The Manta Ray program aims to develop essential technologies for long-range, payload-capable unmanned underwater vehicles that can operate autonomously without reliance on manned vessels or port facilities. A second Manta Ray performer, PacMar Technologies, is continuing testing of its full-scale energy harvesting system in 2024.

The successful in-water testing of the Manta Ray prototype marks a major step forward in the development of large, autonomous underwater drones. As stated by DARPA's Kyle Woerner, the Manta Ray's ability to be rapidly assembled and deployed from modular subsections represents a "first-of-its-kind capability for an extra-large UUV." The U.S. Department of Defense and the Navy will continue collaborating on further testing and transitioning this groundbreaking technology into operational use.

Key Takeaways

• DARPA successfully tested 'Manta Ray' underwater drone prototype off California.
• Manta Ray is a long-range, modular UUV capable of diverse naval missions.
• Tests validated Manta Ray's hydrodynamics, propulsion, and autonomous capabilities.
• Manta Ray's modular design enables rapid field assembly and global deployment.
• DARPA and U.S. Navy to continue testing and transitioning this technology.