Top-Secret US Aquatic Drone Weapon ‘Manta Ray’ Spotted on Google Maps for All to See

New York Post ^ | June 24, 2024 | Social Links forChris Nesi

[nickcarraway]

A top-secret US submarine prototype weapon called “Manta Ray” has been spotted by eagle-eyed Google Maps users and remains plainly visible to the internet public.

Satellite photos showing the “Star Wars”-looking vessel docked at Port Hueneme naval base in California went viral Sunday, its unmistakable profile standing out like a sore thumb in contrast to its dockmates.

The smooth-looking autonomous vessel was named after the sea creature for its slick design and its ability to anchor itself deep underwater while operating in low-power mode. Produced by Northrop Grumman as part of a US Navy project to develop long-range underwater weapons, Manta Ray is a sophisticated underwater drone capable of hibernating on the sea floor for “very long periods” without refueling.

[nickcarraway]

[ealgeone]

And we act like the chicoms, ruskies and others aren't aware of this.

I'd be willing to be bammy and co have "shared" this with the chicoms.

[Beowulf9]

So Google wanted to expose this to our enemies or were they ‘directed’?

[Macho MAGA Man]

I’ve seen it. It’s actually big in size.

[VTenigma]

“Bammy” probably gave them the plans.

[43north]

Looks like an aquatic version of the B-2 Spirit bomber. That should give the Russkies and Chicoms sleepless nights. Of course president pudding brain probably already sold the plans to them.

[McGruff]

From the same article:

Defense analysts suspect the Navy’s push to develop drone technology is intended as a strategic counter to Russian and Chinese submarine operations, the outlet said.

Russians have been developing underwater drones of their own, and last year announced plans to acquire nearly three dozen such vessels.

The US adversary claims its drone has a range of about 6,200 miles, can be armed with nukes and can reach speeds of up to 100 knots — or about 115 mph.

[jjotto]

Lot of details about Manta Ray on the Northrop-Grumman website.

[Beowulf9]

A warning to our enemies then?

[fishtank]

Hardly news….. from last month…

Why DARPA’s MANTA RAY submersible is nightmare for enemy subs

https://youtu.be/x7OTgpxedp0?si=GNMX6RyFwp7ZAllA

[PAR35]

Laughing at your post. That picture is posted on the DARPA website:

https://www.darpa.mil/news-events/2024-05-01

[hanamizu]

Port Hueneme

---

For those outside of SoCal, it is pronounced ‘Port Y-ni-mi’ with the stress on the Y

[jjotto]

There are also videos of Manta Ray in action.

[Beowulf9]

Well, I guess I’m not in the loop.

[PAR35]

It’s something they want the Chicoms and Russkis to see. It may even be real.

[nwrep]

Program funded by Trump.

[lgjhn23]

“..I’d be willing to be bammy and co have “shared” this with the chicoms....”

Wonder if the “Big Guy” somehow managed to get 10% for that....../s

[null and void]

And from space it looks like:

[null and void]

Or as heard from some guy writhing on the ground:

Why knee me?

[doorgunner69]

Would not be surprised if the shape was intended to make active sonar less effective. The shapes that mess up readar reflections may work for sound in the water.

if it is really really quiet, active sonar may be the only way the adversary can find it.