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. <\/p>\n
Satellite photos showing the Star Wars-looking vessel docked at Port Hueneme naval base in California went viral Sunday, its unmistakable profile standing out in stark contrast to its dockmates. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
It uses efficient, buoyancy-driven gliding to move through the water, Dr. Kyle Woerner, Manta Ray program manager at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency,said in an agency news release. <\/p>\n
Our successful, full-scale Manta Ray testing validates the vehicles readiness to advance toward real-world operations, Woerner added. <\/p>\n
The craft is designed with several payload bays of multiple sizes and types to enable a wide variety of naval mission sets. <\/p>\n
Its modular design enables it to be disassembled and transported in ordinary shipping containers, eliminating the necessity for dedicated port facilities. <\/p>\n
The Navy spent more than three months testing the craft off the coast of Southern California, the Telegraph reported. <\/p>\n
Defense analysts suspect the Navys push to develop drone technology is intended as a strategic counter to Russian and Chinese submarine operations, the outlet said. <\/p>\n
Russians have been developing underwater drones of their own, and last year announced plans to acquire nearly three dozen such vessels. <\/p>\n
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 about 115 mph. <\/p>\n
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Top-secret US aquatic drone weapon 'Manta Ray' spotted on Google Maps for all to see - New York Post<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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 in stark contrast to its dockmates. Continue reading