Unexpected Discovery of Top-Secret U.S. Underwater Drone Weapon via Google Maps
In a remarkable revelation that has sent ripples through the defense and intelligence sectors, a highly classified U.S. underwater drone weapon, known as the “Manta Ray,” has been found through an unexpected source – Google Maps. This state-of-the-art autonomous underwater vehicle (UUV) is a product of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), developed in association with defense contractor Northrop Grumman. The Manta Ray was spotted docked at Port Hueneme naval base in California.
The discovery was made by an observant Google Maps user who shared coordinates and satellite images displaying the unmistakable silhouette of the Manta Ray amongst other naval vessels. The autonomous drone, named for its sleek and efficient design reminiscent of its namesake sea creature, is engineered for prolonged, far-reaching missions in oceanic environments without necessitating on-site human logistics.
Someone managed to find the DARPA Manta Ray on google maps
Coordinates
34°09'12"N 119°12'31"W pic.twitter.com/uMdDj2dMsO— nikola 3 (@ronin19217435) June 20, 2024
As per DARPA’s official website, the objective of the Manta Ray project is to showcase innovative technologies enabling these UUVs to function independently deep underwater for extended periods. Such capabilities render the Manta Ray a formidable asset for the U.S. Navy – it can gather intelligence, conduct surveillance, and potentially partake in covert operations far beneath the ocean surface. The drone can anchor itself on the seafloor and switch to a low-power mode, allowing it to stay undetected and operational for extended durations without needing to refuel.
Together with @DARPA & our industry partners, we have built Manta Ray – a new type of uncrewed underwater vehicle. ???? Manta Ray will operate long-duration, long-range missions in ocean environments, going where humans can't. https://t.co/VbpZrx26Uh #DefiningPossible #SAS2024 pic.twitter.com/2vgJcKWu5W
— Northrop Grumman (@northropgrumman) April 8, 2024
A fish-like robot that #autonomously roams the #oceans on long-duration missions, harvesting #energy to power its trek: That’s the goal the Manta Ray project. Learn more from @DARPA and @SandiaLabs in this Voices from DARPA podcast. https://t.co/oKtboC7YpN pic.twitter.com/DYj7Y7lWQg
— DARPA (@DARPA) October 20, 2022
Northrop Grumman, a prominent defense contractor, finalized the construction of this sophisticated underwater vehicle in April 2024. In a tweet commemorating this milestone, Northrop Grumman underscored this significant achievement: “Together with @DARPA & our industry partners, we have built Manta Ray – a new type of uncrewed underwater vehicle. Manta Ray will operate long-duration, long-range missions in ocean environments, going where humans can’t.”
The unexpected unveiling of the Manta Ray to the public through a universally accessible platform like Google Maps raises serious concerns about operational security and the susceptibility of classified military assets to open-source intelligence gathering. The images that surfaced online display the vessel’s distinctive “Star Wars”-like appearance, which is strikingly different from other docked vessels.
This disclosure comes as the U.S. continues to enhance its underwater capabilities in response to escalating maritime threats. The Manta Ray signifies a significant advancement in unmanned underwater technology, equipping the U.S. Navy with unparalleled reach and endurance in oceanic operations. Its ability to autonomously navigate and carry out missions without human intervention presents new strategic possibilities for reconnaissance, mine countermeasures, and even offensive operations if necessary.
Despite the unintended public exposure, the development of the Manta Ray underscores the U.S. military’s dedication to maintaining technological supremacy in undersea warfare. The drone’s ability to harness energy from its surroundings to power its lengthy journeys further boosts its operational sustainability and stealth.
h/t: Patriot Clash
