The world learned at the start of April that the initial prototype of an entirely new strain of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) was complete. Northrop Grumman appears to have been the last to inform us about the drone subsequent to its successful conclusion of critical testing under the auspices of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

The Manta Ray is the product of a program that DARPA launched approximately four years ago. Submerged vehicles with multiple functions that are capable of conducting “long-duration, long-range missions in ocean environments” are the objective of this research.

Two initiatives, one managed by PacMar Technologies and the other by Northrop Grumman, have been selected for advancement by DARPA. It appears that the publicly displayed product of the former, which was disclosed in early December, had already undergone comprehensive in-water testing in February and March, a fact that came to our attention only recently.

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The Northrop Grumman design is constructed in a manner that gives it an appearance reminiscent of an object that could induce nightmares in even the most formidable marine organisms. Visually resembling a real manta ray and designed with underwater functionality in mind, the drone appears to be quite sizable; two individuals can be observed seated on it with ample space in the photographs included in the attached gallery.

The precise specifications of the drone remained undisclosed; however, in accordance with DARPA’s mandates, it is anticipated to be propelled by novel technologies, one of which will enable it to extract energy from submerged sources. Its construction should safeguard it against the perils of the depths, such as biofouling and corrosion.

The Northrop Grumman design underwent rigorous testing off the coast of Southern California, with DARPA personnel examining the machine’s buoyancy, hydrodynamic behavior, propulsion operation, and control surface activity.

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It is unknown whether the payload compartments of varying capacities that were incorporated into the design of the submerged vessel were utilized during the test flights.

As per the information disclosed by DARPA, not only the drone but also the logistics of deploying it were put to the test. It was disclosed to us that the vehicle was transported from Maryland to California in a disassembled state, with subsections being erected en route.

This appears to be a critical feature that the United States is seeking, particularly since it intends for the system to be rapidly deployable anywhere in the world.

We are not informed of when the “vehicle’s readiness to advance toward real-world operations” is signified by the conclusion of the tests. The drone is anticipated to be utilized predominantly for military objectives, and preparations for the system’s subsequent experiments are already underway at the U.S. Navy level.

Regarding the endeavors of the other organization, Pacmar, the last time we heard anything about its Manta Ray was in October 2023, when the autonomous drone’s hydrodynamics, sensors, and sensors were tested. At this time, Pacmar will “continue testing its full-scale energy harvesting system in 2024,” according to DARPA.