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Satellite Images Expose Massive Manta Ray Underwater Drone Docked At U.S. Navy Base In California
Google Earth provides also a 3D view of Manta Ray UUV at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme, California (Image credit: Google Earth) Manta Ray is an extra-large glider UUV, developed by Northrop Grumman for DARPA and designed to undertake extended-duration, long-range, and payload-capable undersea missions independently, without requiring on-site human logistics.
The Manta Ray prototype, that was unveiled in April 2024, underwent comprehensive full-scale testing off the coast of Southern California during February and March 2024: this testing phase focused on evaluating the vehicle's hydrodynamic performance in real-world conditions.
The testing involved underwater activities using various propulsion and steering methods: buoyancy, propellers, and control surfaces. The newly released video highlights these activities, showcasing the prototype diving and resurfacing both while stationary and in motion.
Neither DARPA nor Northrop Grumman have disclosed additional details about the base from where the testing campaign of the new giant underwater drone has been launched. However, someone has spotted the Manta Ray docked at Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) in Port Hueneme, California.
Someone managed to find the DARPA Manta Ray on google maps
Source:https://t.Co/1VWGp9jzun#ufotwitter #ufox #uaptwitter #uapx pic.Twitter.Com/WE2R8Re9uG
— RAEFOS Network (@RAEFOSnet) June 20, 2024
This base is a significant operational center for the United States Navy and includes various facilities and units, such as the Construction Battalion (Seabees), and the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division.
The prototype is clearly visible among other naval vessels, more or less in front of the Mission Package Support Facility (MPSF) in Building 1392 on the campus of Naval Surface Warfare Center.
The satellite images date back to November 2023 and they give a clear idea of the size of Northrop Grumman prototype of Manta Ray.
Satellite image shows Manta Ray at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme, California (Image credit: Google Earth) Naval Surface Warfare Center The presence of the Manta Ray at Naval Surface Warfare Center makes a lot of sense, as the NSWC conducts a wide range of activities focused on the research, development, testing, and evaluation of surface warfare systems. These activities include engaging in basic and applied research to develop new technologies and improve existing ones; working on advanced materials, sensors, and weapons systems; testing of naval systems, including weapons, radar, sonar, and other electronic systems, to ensure they meet performance standards and are reliable in operational conditions. Moreover, the center builds and tests prototypes of new systems and components to evaluate their performance and feasibility and works to transition new technologies from the development phase to operational use, ensuring that the fleet has access to the latest advancements, collaborating with private industry, universities, and other research institutions to leverage additional expertise and resources.
In particular, according to the official website, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) maintains technical expertise at locations across the United States: Engineering and Logistics at Port Hueneme, California; Search Radar Engineering at Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Live Fire Testing at White Sands, New Mexico. Port Hueneme Division is recognized as the Navy's Center of Excellence for In-Service Engineering, Test and Evaluation, and Integrated Logistics Support for surface warfare combat and weapon systems.
"Since its inception in 1963, Port Hueneme Division, has been supporting the combat and weapon systems of the Fleet by providing highly skilled personnel and state-of-the-art facilities to lead the development and support of Navy surface ship warfare systems throughout their life cycles."
"Port Hueneme Division is focusing its technical capabilities on Next Generation In-Service Engineering, which involves direct connectivity to the Fleet on a global basis and the immediate availability of round-the-clock access to products, services, and Fleet support capabilities. Next Generation In-Service Engineering will support predictive system failure, remote diagnostics, and corrective action via real-time, networked communications."
Among the activities carried out by the Port Hueneme Division, there is also "overland live fire testing of Naval weapons in support of weapons systems acquisition (missiles and laser systems), assembly of weapons for overland and at sea live fire testing, launch of research rockets, and assembly/launch of low and medium fidelity theater ballistic targets."
Manta Ray ProgramThe Manta Ray program, a DARPA initiative, aims to enhance technologies for future underwater unmanned vehicles (UUVs). It focuses on energy management, payload capacity, and low-power propulsion. Northrop Grumman highlights that Manta Ray will include advanced command, control, and communication (C3) capabilities, enabling long-duration operations with minimal human intervention. The data collected will improve decision-making for joint forces.
The prototype of Manta Ray during the test campaign. (Image credit: Northrop Grumman) Development and Contracts In 2021, Northrop Grumman received a Phase 2 contract to advance the Manta Ray program, which began in 2020. This phase involves developing full-scale demonstration vehicles by Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation and Martin Defense Group, each showcasing unique capabilities.
An image of the Manta Ray during in-water testing off the coast of Southern California. This image shows, for the first time, the rear section of the UUV partly submerged (Northrop Grumman) USO Theories Speculations suggest that advanced underwater drones like Manta Ray could explain many Unidentified Submerged Object (USO) sightings. USOs are mysterious underwater phenomena similar to UFOs but occurring underwater.
The capabilities of Manta Ray, such as long-duration independent operation and advanced maneuverability, align with characteristics often attributed to USOs. The secrecy surrounding such drones fuels speculation that some USO sightings may actually be encounters with cutting-edge military technology.
As we commented in a previous post addressing these speculations, as more information about the Manta Ray and similar projects becomes available, it could demystify some of the USO sightings, providing a terrestrial explanation rooted in advancements in underwater drone technology. However, until there is direct evidence linking these drones to specific USO incidents, the connection remains speculative, contributing to the ongoing intrigue and debate surrounding unidentified underwater phenomena.
David Cenciotti is a journalist based in Rome, Italy. He is the Founder and Editor of "The Aviationist", one of the world's most famous and read military aviation blogs. Since 1996, he has written for major worldwide magazines, including Air Forces Monthly, Combat Aircraft, and many others, covering aviation, defense, war, industry, intelligence, crime and cyberwar. He has reported from the U.S., Europe, Australia and Syria, and flown several combat planes with different air forces. He is a former 2nd Lt. Of the Italian Air Force, a private pilot and a graduate in Computer Engineering. He has written five books and contributed to many more ones. Top-Secret 'Manta Ray' Submarine Exposed On Google Maps In Shocking Discovery
A top-secret US Navy submarine prototype, dubbed the "Manta Ray," has been spotted on Google Maps, sparking widespread interest. The vessel, seen docked at the Port Hueneme naval base in California, quickly became a topic of viral discussion. Its unique, "Star Wars"-like appearance sets it apart from other vessels at the base.
The Manta Ray, named for its sleek, marine-inspired design, is engineered to operate deep underwater in low-power mode for extended periods. Developed by Northrop Grumman, it is part of a US Navy initiative to create long-range underwater weapons. The drone is designed to hibernate on the ocean floor without refueling, showcasing advanced technology in autonomous underwater operations.
Dr. Kyle Woerner, the Manta Ray program manager at DARPA, highlighted the vehicle's capabilities in a recent news release. He emphasized that the vehicle uses "efficient, buoyancy-driven gliding" to navigate the water, making it both stealthy and energy-efficient. Successful full-scale testing has validated the Manta Ray's readiness for deployment in real-world missions. Its design includes several modular payload bays of various sizes, allowing it to undertake a wide range of naval operations. The modularity also enables the drone to be disassembled and shipped in standard containers, eliminating the need for specialized port facilities.
The Navy's testing of the Manta Ray off Southern California's coast lasted over three months. This development is seen by defense analysts as a strategic move to enhance US capabilities against Russian and Chinese submarine technology. Both nations have been advancing their underwater drone programs. Russia, in particular, has announced plans to acquire nearly three dozen underwater drones, with claims of a range of 6,200 miles, nuclear armament potential, and speeds reaching up to 100 knots (115 mph).
The unveiling of the Manta Ray underscores a significant leap in underwater drone technology, reinforcing the US Navy's strategic posture. As this cutting-edge technology continues to evolve, it remains a crucial component in the ongoing efforts to maintain naval superiority in the face of emerging global threats.
Manta Ray, Secret US Undersea Drone, Spotted On Google Maps, Later Removed
Manta Ray has been produced by Northrop Grumman. (File)
Manta Ray, a top-secret submarine prototype weapon of the US, was spotted by Google Maps docked at the Port Hueneme naval base in California on Sunday.
After an image of the same went viral, it was deleted and replaced with what multiple social media users believed were "edited" boats.
Manta Ray also caught attention for its similarity to a Star Wars vessel, a spaceship seen in the popular Hollywood franchise.
The autonomous vessel has been named after the sea creature due to its slick design and ability to anchor itself deep underwater while holding operations in low-power mode, the New York Post reported.
Manta Ray has been produced by Northrop Grumman as part of the US Navy project to develop long-range underwater weapons. This sophisticated underwater drone is said to be capable of hibernating on the seafloor for "very long periods" without refuelling.
Dr Kyle Woerner, Manta Ray programme manager at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, earlier said that it 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," Dr Woerner said in the agency press release.
Dr Woerner further said that it was being designed with several payload bays of multiple sizes and types to enable it to a wide variety of naval mission sets.
In addition, Manta Ray's modular design allows the US Navy to disassemble and further transport it in ordinary shipping containers. This quality eliminates the necessity for requiring dedicated port facilities.
According to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the vessel is a multi-phase effort, including at-sea demonstration of critical technologies. "The program is using a disciplined systems engineering approach to define demonstration system objectives and identify enabling technologies needed for future systems," it earlier noted.
A report in the Telegraph recently stated that the US Navy spent over three months testing the craft off the coast of Southern California.
Meanwhile, defence analysts have suspected that the US Navy's push to develop drone technology is to strategically counter the submarine operations by Russia and China. Amid its ongoing war against Ukraine, Russia is said to be developing underwater drones of its own. Last year, the country announced its plans to acquire nearly three dozen such vessels.
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