DARPA awards contracts for Manta Ray

DARPA’s Manta Ray Program aims to demonstrate critical technologies for a new class of long duration, long range, payload-capable unmanned underwater vehicles.

DARPA has selected three companies to focus on development of an integrated solution for Manta Ray technology and operational areas.

They are:

• Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Laboratories
• Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
• Navatek, LLC

A fourth company, Metron, Inc., will work toward critical technology and solutions specific to the field of undersea energy harvesting techniques at depths necessary for successful operations.

“The Manta Ray program aims to increase at-sea operational capacity and capabilities for the combatant commander while minimizing disruptions to current operations by remaining independent of crewed vessels and ports once deployed,” said CDR Kyle Woerner, the Manta Ray program manager in DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office.

“If successful, this new class of UUVs would allow operational flexibility and relief of workload for both traditional host ships and servicing ports.”

Manta Ray is targeting three phases of development, culminating with a fully integrated demonstration vehicle completing an underwater mission in the open-ocean environment.