New US Military Submarine Prototype, “Manta Ray”

A new prototype US military submarine, resembling a large metal manta ray, has successfully passed its first major test at sea. Named “Manta Ray” and developed by Northrop Grumman, this unmanned underwater vehicle completed its water tests off the coast of Southern California between February and March, as announced by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The Manta Ray is designed to operate as a submarine drone, capable of operating both as a torpedo and as a small submarine and performing mine placement tasks. The development program, lasting five years, aims to create a new class of UUV (Unmanned Underwater Vehicle) with long-term, long-range, and payload capabilities, to operate in various marine conditions around the world. However, DARPA has not fully disclosed details about the specific features of the Manta Ray.