US Navy tests 'extra-large' Thunderbirds-style Manta Ray drone sub capable of ... trends now
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A Thunderbirds-style military vehicle designed for unmanned, long-distance underwater missions has completed in-water testing.
The Manta Ray prototype uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) completed the full-scale testing off the coast of Southern California over the last three months, according to manufacturer Northrop Grumman.
Manta Ray was built through the U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) program.
Although its future missions have not been revealed, Northrop Grumman describe the vehicle as a 'new class of UUV'.
It moves through the water using 'efficient, buoyancy-driven gliding' and could reduce need for as much human involvement in underwater missions.
A Thunderbirds-style Manta Ray drone has completed in-water testing off the coast of California
The military vehicle is designed for unmanned, long-distance underwater missions
Dr. Kyle Woerner, the Department of Defense's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) program manager for Manta Ray said: 'Our successful, full-scale Manta Ray testing validates the vehicle's readiness to advance toward real-world operations after being rapidly assembled in the field from modular subsections'
Manufacturers added: 'It is an extra-large glider that will operate long-duration, long-range and payload-capable undersea missions without need
