Northrop Grumman unveils Manta Ray UUV
The Manta Ray programme has been developing UUVs which will be expected to be autonomous and able to operate in environments where humans cannot go. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
The uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) prototype was built through a programme by the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) and assembled in Northrop Grumman’s Annapolis facility.
A prototype of a Manta Ray-class vessel, part of a new class of UUVs developed to be energy-saving and able to anchor at the seafloor to rest in a low-power state, has been unveiled by Northrop Grumman.
According to the US defence company, the extra-large glider will be able to carry out tasks for long durations and ranges, as well as be equipped for payload-capable undersea missions.
DARPA stated that the UUV would be built as part of the US government agency’s Manta Ray programme, which has been exploring uncrewed systems that could enable traditional host vessels to operate with more flexibility and freedom.
Related Articles
DARPA taps Lockheed to design new large UUV
DARPA awards contracts for Phase 2 of Manta Ray programme
The project has included at-sea demonstrations and multiple phases while developing UUVs that remain independent of manned vessels and ports.
In 2020, DARPA approached Lockheed Martin to design an extra-large UUV powered by innovative energy management techniques for the Manta Ray project.
In 2021, DARPA awarded Phase 2 agreements to continue the Manta Ray programme to two prime contractors, Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation and Martin Defense Group, renamed PacMar Technologies. Each company was tasked with building and testing unique full-scale demonstration systems.
According to DARPA, PacMar conducted an in-water splash test with its prototype in 2023, testing the glider’s sensors, hydrodynamic performance and autonomy behaviour.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy takes delivery of New Jersey SSN]()
US Navy takes delivery of New Jersey SSN
The USN’s Virginia-class SSNs are replacing the old Los Angeles-class SSNs. The Virginia-class SSNs are fitted with the latest sensors and weapons and around 48 submarines are planned, with a total of 38 currently ordered.
-
![BMT and DNV partner to meet Australia’s heavy landing craft requirement]()
BMT and DNV partner to meet Australia’s heavy landing craft requirement
Under Project Land 8710 Phase 2, Australia has been seeking to acquire an undisclosed number of Littoral Manoeuvre Vessels to replace the Balikpapan-class. The programme has an estimated value of AU$1.4 billion (US$910 million), with IOC slated for 2032.
-
![Babcock to take over upkeep of Royal Navy Type-23 frigates]()
Babcock to take over upkeep of Royal Navy Type-23 frigates
The Royal Navy’s Type-23 Duke-class frigates for the UK Royal Navy were designed as anti-submarine warfare (ASW) ships but now have a multi-role function. Of the 16 Type 23s built, 12 remain in service with the Royal Navy and will be replaced by the Type-26 frigates before 2035.
-
![Singapore launches fourth and final Type 218SG submarine]()
Singapore launches fourth and final Type 218SG submarine
The era of southeast Asian submarine modernisation has been in full swing fuelled by growing tensions in the South China Sea.
