Full-Size Manta Ray UUV Prototype Assembled

Northrop Grumman has completed the full-size assembly of the Manta Ray extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicle at the company’s Annapolis facility in Maryland By Sarah Simpson / 10 Apr 2024

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Manta Ray UUV Prototype Assembled
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Northrop Grumman Corporation has completed the assembly of a full-size uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) prototype known as Manta Ray.

A new class of UUV, Manta Ray is an extra-large glider that will operate long-duration, long-range and payload-capable undersea missions without the need for on-site human logistics.

Employing ground-breaking technology to create strategic surprise, the Manta Ray was built through a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) program aimed at advancing key technologies to benefit future UUV designs, including techniques to:

  • Manage energy
  • Increase payload capacity
  • Enable low-power propulsion
  • and more

Energy-saving, with the ability to anchor to the seafloor and hibernate in a low-power state, the Manta Ray is modular and designed to be easily shipped in five standard shipping containers, in order to support expeditionary deployment and in-field assembly worldwide.

Posted by Sarah Simpson As Head of Content for Unmanned Systems Technology, Sarah uses her extensive background in research and technical copywriting to spotlight the latest innovations in autonomy, robotics, and sensing. Sarah joined in 2018 and loves to highlight how uncrewed systems are making a tangible difference in the modern world. Connect
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