DARPA awards contracts for Phase 2 of Manta Ray programme
Artist’s concept of a Manta Ray UUV (photo – DARPA)
Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation and Martin Defense Group were selected to build and test Manta Ray unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). The companies are each developing unique full-scale demonstration systems.
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
-
![Kongsberg contracted for Dutch and Belgian frigate propellers and drive shafts]()
Kongsberg contracted for Dutch and Belgian frigate propellers and drive shafts
In July 2023, Damen and Thales signed contracts to design, build and deliver four new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates for Belgium and the Netherlands.
-
![Leonardo fires up small calibre naval gun development as Italy nears first Lionfish X-Gun handover]()
Leonardo fires up small calibre naval gun development as Italy nears first Lionfish X-Gun handover
Alongside progress on its Lionfish contracts, Leonardo emphasised its shift in focus from traditional larger calibre systems toward smaller calibre solutions, epitomised by the X-Gun’s inception in 2017.
-
![SEA to trial sonar software for UK Royal Navy]()
SEA to trial sonar software for UK Royal Navy
The UK Royal Navy’s anti-submarine warfare Spearhead programme, run by the service’s Develop Directorate, has been investigating future and existing technologies with a particular focus on the USV arena.
-
![Australia’s new frigate options: No easy choices as pressure mounts on DoD]()
Australia’s new frigate options: No easy choices as pressure mounts on DoD
A new class of General Purpose ‘Tier 2’ frigate will replace the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) Anzac-class frigates, but the selected design options appear to have major issues in terms of compatibility and availability for the future fleet.
-
![Norway’s aim to purchase new frigates may impact Royal Navy’s own fleet production]()
Norway’s aim to purchase new frigates may impact Royal Navy’s own fleet production
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has only so far confirmed that discussions have been taking place with BAE Systems, but a decision has yet to be made, according to The Telegraph.
