The prototype of a top-secret weapon being developed by the US was recently leaked online after it was spotted on Google Maps. According to reports, a prototype of the Manta Ray maritime drone was seen at a US base in California. The drone is named after the manta ray, a cartilaginous fish known for its distinctive, broad, diamond-shaped body with triangular pectoral fins.
Manta Ray, which is being developed by Northrop Grumman, is said to have abilities including "hibernating" on the sea floor and remaining there for extended periods without refueling. The vessel, which resembles a manta ray, has a slick design and can anchor itself deep underwater while operating in low-power mode.
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The modular design of Manta Ray also allows its disassembly and transport in ordinary shipping containers, removing the need for dedicated port facilities. According to Dr. Kyle Woerner of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the full-scale testing of Manta Ray validates the vehicle’s readiness to advance toward real-world operations.
"It [Manta Ray] uses efficient, buoyancy-driven gliding to move through the water ... our successful, full-scale Manta Ray testing validates the vehicle’s readiness to advance toward real-world operations," he told The New York Post. He further said that it was being designed with several payload bays of multiple sizes and types to enable it to perform a wide variety of naval missions.
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Following the image that was leaked online, Manta Ray was reportedly removed from its location and replaced with boats. However, its image can still be found on Google Maps.
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