An object resembling the U.S. military's new submarine drone, known as the Manta Ray, has been spotted on Google Maps at California's Port Hueneme naval base. This unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) is developed by Northrop Grumman under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) program, which is part of the U.S. Department of Defense. Shaped like the sea creature it's named after, the Manta Ray is designed for various Navy purposes.
The prototype was constructed in Maryland and shipped to California for testing. Between February and March, it successfully completed full-scale tests off the Southern California coast. The tests validated the vehicle’s propeller function, control surfaces, and ability to float, confirming its readiness for real-world operations. According to DARPA's program manager, Kyle Woerner, the vehicle demonstrated a unique capability due to its modular construction, which allows for rapid assembly and deployment in the field.
The sighting on Google Maps went viral online, showing the drone at Port Hueneme naval base in Ventura County, California. The agency did not respond to media requests for confirmation of the object’s identity. The Manta Ray, capable of long-duration and long-range operations, represents a significant technological advancement for the U.S. Navy, facilitating deployment without crowding pier space at naval facilities.
Honolulu-based PacMar Technologies is also conducting tests with their own Manta Ray prototype, focusing on low-power and high-efficiency modes. Further testing is planned for 2024 to continue refining the vehicle's capabilities.