Prototype of top secret American underwater weapon “Manta Ray” visible on Google Maps

The US Navy's top secret autonomous submarine, the 'Manta Ray', was recently spotted by eagle-eyed Google Maps users at the Port Hueneme Naval Base in California.

The visual of it quickly went viral but was quickly mysteriously replaced by several “edited” boats.

The Manta Ray, a prototype unmanned underwater vehicle, was built by artist Northrop Grumman as part of a U.S. Navy project to develop long-range underwater weapons.

It has attracted attention for its sleek design, which resembles a sea creature known for its large, diamond-shaped body.

The advanced underwater drone can anchor deep underwater, operate on low power, and sleep on the seabed for long periods without refueling.

Dr. Kyle Woerner, Manta Ray program manager at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), highlighted the drone's innovative propulsion method.

The UUV prototype navigates on water using efficient buoyancy-based gliding.

After the large-scale tests of Manta Ray, Woerner added that the UUV was prepared for real-world operations.

Another notable feature of the Manta Ray is its modular design.

It has numerous payload bays of varying sizes and types to accommodate a wide range of naval missiles.

The design also allows the vessel to be dismantled and transported in standard sized shipping containers without the need for specialist port facilities.

The U.S. Navy spent more than three months rigorously testing the Manta Ray off the coast of Southern California, demonstrating its hydrodynamic capabilities at sea, including submerged operations with buoyancy, propellers and control surfaces.

Defense analysts believe that the development of Manta Ray drone technology is aimed at countering Russian and Chinese underwater operations.

Both countries are known to be developing their own drone technologies.

Russia, in particular, is developing underwater drones with ranges of around 6,200 miles, nuclear bombs and speeds of up to 100 knots (115 mph).

The DARPA press release highlighted the strategic importance of the Manta Ray, stating that its success would provide the combatant commander with increased capability without disrupting ongoing operations and, once deployed, it would be independent of manned ships and ports .

The Manta Ray's modular design, long-term underwater capability and strategic potential represent a significant advancement in underwater drone technology.

As global tensions increase, the development and deployment of such advanced unmanned systems will certainly play an important role in future naval operations.

PacMar Technologies, a second Manta Ray artist, is currently testing its energy system on a large scale.

Reference: NDTV, TOI