DARPA’s Manta Ray program has achieved a critical milestone with the successful in-water testing of a scaled prototype off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii. Conducted by defense contractor PacMar Technologies, the splash test evaluated the autonomous underwater vehicle’s (AUV) hydrodynamics, sensor systems, and navigation algorithms—key steps toward developing a long-range, long-endurance glider for future naval missions.
Prototyping Approach Reduces Development Risks
The test aligns with DARPA’s strategy of early-stage prototyping to identify and mitigate technical challenges before full-scale sea trials. “This validates our models and assumptions while providing crucial data,” said program manager Dr. Kyle Woerner, emphasizing that the program remains on track to demonstrate a fully operational AUV capable of months-long undersea missions without human intervention.
Advancing Next-Gen Undersea Autonomy
Manta Ray’s design focuses on energy-efficient propulsion and low-power sensing, enabling extended operations in remote ocean regions. Potential applications include surveillance, mine countermeasures, and scientific research, with the vehicle acting as a stealthy, persistent undersea node for distributed maritime operations.
Path to Full-Scale Demonstrations
With subsystem performance now verified, DARPA and PacMar will refine the prototype before 2025 at-sea tests of a larger production variant. The program’s success could redefine underwater warfare logistics, reducing reliance on manned submarines for prolonged missions.
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