DARPA’s massive Manta Ray robotic sub hits the sea
DARPA has finally unveiled more of its mysterious Manta Ray robotic sub, with impressive new images of the prototype Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle (UUV) undergoing its first sea trials off the coast of Southern California.
Looking like a cross between a B-21 Raider bomber and a refugee from a '60s sci-fi television series, the Manta Ray is about as enigmatic. While DARPA has been happy to release some details about the sub, the agency has been a bit coy about very basic information about specifications and performance.
The Manta Ray is set to play a lead role in a new class of UUVs that are long range and long duration, as well as capable of handling a wide variety of payloads. It can also be shipped in sections in standard containers and assembled where needed, without taking up space at piers or naval facilities. In this way, it can be quickly deployed without wasting time and wear in transit.
From the presence of people and a small boat in the images, we can see that the Manta Ray isn't small. It also has a stern that seems to have shrouded propulsors and perhaps thrusters for maneuvering. Along with this, there are protuberances that are likely some sort of antenna, water inlets, and a general shape that indicates that it's designed to glide through the water in the most energy efficient way.
