DARPA awards contracts for Phase 2 of Manta Ray programme
Artist’s concept of a Manta Ray UUV (photo – DARPA)
DARPA has awarded on 20 December Phase 2 agreements to continue the Manta Ray programme. The two prime contractors, Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation and Martin Defense Group were selected to build and test unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). The total amount of the contracts was not disclosed.
The companies are each developing unique full-scale demonstration systems. This effort began in 2020 and is intended to design and advance UUVs that operate for extended durations without the need for on-site human logistics support or maintenance.
In Phase 1, performers designed and conducted preliminary testing on novel approaches in energy management, UUV reliability, biofouling and corrosion control, navigation and undersea obstacle avoidance, among other areas that directly enable long-endurance missions.
This first stage was concluded with critical design reviews that demonstrated design maturity and readiness for advancement to Phase 2. The selected performers will now work on subsystem testing followed by fabrication and in-water demonstrations of full-scale integrated vehicles.
More from Naval Warfare
-
HII completes pressure hull for future Virginia-class submarine USS Massachusetts
Shipbuilders working on the future Virginia-class submarine USS Massachusetts have joined all the boat's hull sections to form a single watertight unit, marking the completion of the pressure hull.
-
India commences first ever MRO on a USN vessel
The USN has appointed an Indian shipyard to maintain one of its vessels for the first time.
-
Malaysia reports back on the navy’s LCS fiasco
Blame can be apportioned to various sources for the incessant delays in Malaysia's corvette programme, with the first ship still several years away.
-
US Navy modifies Over-the-Horizon Weapon System missile deal for Raytheon
OTH-WS is intended to provide a long range anti-ship, over-the-horizon offensive anti-surface warfare capability to USN.
-
Australia receives second Evolved Cape-class patrol boat
Austal has delivered the second of eight improved patrol boats to Australia's navy.