Northrop Grumman Unveils Manta Ray Underwater Glider

Northrop Grumman unveils its inaugural prototype of the Manta Ray Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle (UUV), developed for DARPA. This large-scale submarine glider is engineered to conduct extensive undersea missions autonomously.

Nature’s Engineering Influence

After millennia of grappling with engineering challenges, nature has amassed a remarkable repertoire of solutions, a fact acknowledged by human engineers since the time of Leonardo da Vinci and his bird-inspired flying machines.

Drawing inspiration from nature, Northrop Grumman has developed the Manta Ray, integrating the hydrodynamics of the marine creature with advanced autonomous technology and energy-efficient propulsion systems.

Details about the Manta Ray are currently scarce. While specific dimensions remain undisclosed, the emphasis is on its long-range capabilities and substantial size. Engineered to accommodate various payloads for diverse missions, the primary focus is on endurance rather than speed.

Advancing Underwater Autonomy with the Manta Ray Prototype

Northrop Grumman plans to utilize the Manta Ray prototype for advancing underwater autonomous technologies.

Equipped with energy-efficient systems such as the capability to anchor itself and enter hibernation mode, the vehicle features a modular design, enabling it to be transported in five standard shipping containers for global deployment and on-site assembly.

In fact “Manta Ray will deliver payload capacity from the ocean, playing a crucial role in subsea warfare and the Department of Defense’s Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) strategy,” stated Alan Lytle, Vice President of Strategy and Mission Solutions at Northrop Grumman.

To conclude, in 2021, DARPA initiated the Manta Ray program by awarding contracts to Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Laboratories, and Navatek LLC.

Read the original article: New Atlas

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