Secret US Navy under sea drone Manta Ray spotted, later disappears from Google Maps
US Navy submarine, dubbed the "Manta Ray," was recently spotted by Google Maps users at the Port Hueneme naval base in California. The sighting went viral online, sparking widespread curiosity. Shortly after the image leaked, the submarine disappeared and was replaced by boats. This development has drawn significant attention due to its advanced technology and strategic implications.
What is Manta Ray?
Manta Ray is an underwater drone developed by Northrop Grumman for the US Navy. Named after the cartilaginous fish with a distinctive broad, diamond-shaped body, the Manta Ray submarine boasts a sleek design, enabling it to operate in low-power mode deep underwater. It can hibernate on the seafloor for extended periods without refueling.
Key Features and Development
Dr. Kyle Woerner, Manta Ray program manager at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), stated: «It [Manta Ray] uses efficient, buoyancy-driven gliding to move through the water… our successful, full-scale Manta Ray testing validates the vehicle’s readiness to advance toward real-world operations.» The submarine's modular design allows it to be disassembled and transported in ordinary shipping containers, eliminating the need for dedicated port facilities. This feature makes deployment and logistics more flexible and cost-effective.
The Manta Ray is part of a US Navy project aimed at developing long-range underwater weapons. According to DARPA, the vessel is a multi-phase effort that includes at-sea demonstrations of critical technologies.
