Like a manta on the ocean floor. Manta Ray and the rise of a new era of underwater autonomy

In modern maritime technology, inspiration increasingly comes from nature. One of the most compelling examples of this trend is the Manta Ray, developed by the DARPA under the United States Department of Defense.

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03 april 2026   |   12:18   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. Northrop Grumman

The program aims to create a new class of autonomous underwater vehicles (UUVs) capable of operating in the open ocean for extended periods—potentially months—without human intervention, logistical support, or the need to return to port.

At the heart of this concept lies a biological archetype: the Manta ray, whose energy-efficient gliding has become a model for next-generation underwater mobility.

Concept and program origins

Launched in the early 2020s, the Manta Ray program addresses a fundamental limitation of both crewed submarines and existing UUVs. Traditional platforms are resource-intensive, requiring crews, maintenance, and extensive support infrastructure. Most autonomous systems, meanwhile, are constrained by limited endurance and operational range.

DARPA’s objective was to overcome these constraints by developing a vehicle capable of persistent, long-endurance missions in remote maritime environments.

The primary contractor, Northrop Grumman, brings extensive experience in autonomous systems and advanced defense technologies, making it a natural fit for such an ambitious undertaking.

Bio-inspired design and engineering

The defining feature of Manta Ray is its manta-inspired geometry. The vehicle’s flattened, wide-body structure enhances hydrodynamic efficiency, enabling it to move through water with minimal resistance.

Rather than relying solely on conventional propulsion, the system incorporates a buoyancy-driven glide mechanism, allowing it to:

• ascend and descend through controlled density changes,
• convert vertical motion into forward glide,
• significantly reduce energy consumption.

This hybrid propulsion model—combining glider-like movement with traditional propellers—offers both endurance and operational flexibility.

Equally important is the platform’s modular architecture. The vehicle can be transported in standard shipping containers and assembled in-theater, simplifying deployment logistics and enabling rapid positioning in distant operational zones.

Sea trials and current development stage

A major milestone was achieved in 2024, when a full-scale prototype underwent two months of in-water testing off the coast of California. The trials validated key capabilities, including:

• autonomous navigation,
• buoyancy-based propulsion,
• control and stability in real ocean conditions,
• integration of onboard systems and sensors.

As of early 2026, Manta Ray has moved beyond conceptual and laboratory phases. A full-scale, ocean-tested prototype now exists, demonstrating the feasibility of long-endurance autonomous operations.

However, the system has not yet entered operational service. Its current status is best described as: post-demonstration, pre-deployment.

This means the core technologies have been proven, while further development focuses on operational integration, mission adaptation, and potential transition to the U.S. Navy.

Potential operational applications

While specific mission profiles remain undisclosed, the platform’s characteristics suggest a wide range of applications:

• persistent maritime surveillance,
• anti-submarine reconnaissance support,
• seabed mapping and environmental monitoring,
• mine detection and countermeasure operations,
• monitoring of critical undersea infrastructure, including cables and pipelines.

Its ability to remain in the field for extended durations without support makes it particularly valuable for operations in remote or contested maritime regions.

Strategic and technological implications

Manta Ray reflects a broader shift in naval strategy toward distributed, autonomous systems. As maritime operations expand across vast oceanic domains, unmanned platforms are increasingly seen as force multipliers—extending reach while reducing operational risk and cost.

The integration of robotics, artificial intelligence, and energy-efficient design signals a transition toward persistent, low-signature maritime presence. Systems like Manta Ray could form part of future underwater sensor networks, continuously monitoring key regions with minimal human oversight.

The next phase of underwater autonomy

Although still in development, Manta Ray represents a significant step toward the next generation of underwater autonomy. Its success demonstrates that long-duration, low-energy autonomous operations are no longer theoretical—they are becoming technically viable.

If further development proceeds as expected, manta-inspired vehicles may soon become a common feature of the maritime domain: silent, efficient, and capable of operating far beyond the limits of traditional systems.

The future glides below

Manta Ray illustrates how nature-inspired engineering can redefine technological boundaries. By adopting the principles of one of the ocean’s most efficient swimmers, engineers have created a platform that may fundamentally reshape underwater operations.

Today, it stands not as a distant concept, but as a validated prototype—poised on the threshold of real-world deployment. And like the manta itself, it moves quietly, efficiently, and with the potential to transform the depths it inhabits.

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Manta Ray DARPA autonomiczne pojazdy podwodne drony podwodne UUV technologie morskie przyszłości robotyka oceaniczna

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