The US military’s new experimental aquatic drone, known as Manta Ray, has been spotted on Google Maps at the Port Hueneme Naval Base in California. The unmanned underwater vehicle, developed by Northrop Grumman, is designed for stealth missions in bodies of water around the world.
While the specific dimensions of Manta Ray have not been officially disclosed by the military, it appears to be wider than the conventional seagoing vessels it sits between at the naval base. The drone is designed to hibernate on the seafloor for long periods of time, operating in a low-power mode without the need for refueling.
Initiated by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency in 2020, Manta Ray is intended to give the US an advantage in long-range submarine operations. Its modular design allows for easy disassembly and repair, as well as potential reconfiguration depending on mission needs.
The development of Manta Ray has raised concerns about operational security, as Google Maps enthusiasts have already located the drone at the naval base. Despite being officially showcased by Northrop Grumman in footage of underwater testing off the coast of California, details about its capabilities and potential weapons remain undisclosed.
In related news, China is reportedly working on super-fast submarines powered by lasers.
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