The U.S. Navy is steering into the future with an expanded arsenal of autonomous vessels, both above and beneath the waves, to enhance its operational reach and combat capabilities.
Testing new maritime technologies, the Navy is focusing on drones such as the TRITON surface drone and the Manta Ray underwater drone, revealing a vision for a hybrid fleet that integrates manned and unmanned systems.
During the recent Obangame Express multinational exercise in West Africa, the Navy assessed the TRITON drone’s suitability for long-term use in combating regional challenges such as piracy and the drug trade.
Designed for endurance, this 775-pound drone can dive to avoid detection and spend up to eight days submerged or two weeks on the surface, offering versatility in mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare, and more.
The TRITON, tested in collaboration with African partners like Gabon, Ghana, and Cameroon, is expected to stay aboard the USS Hershel “Woody” Williams for upcoming exercises in Morocco and Portugal.
Rear Adm. Michael Mattis emphasized the significance of the tests: “The idea is that we have long periods of operations, (and) that we push these vehicles to their limits of endurance and sustainability, and we understand where those things are.”
Simultaneously, the Navy has been trialing the new ‘Manta Ray’ drone submarine, an autonomous underwater vehicle by Northrop Grumman that can hibernate on the sea floor for extended periods.
Developed as part of a larger project to advance long-range mission capabilities, the Manta Ray completed full-scale in-water testing off the coast of Southern California.
Its buoyancy-driven gliding and various payload bays make it a versatile asset for the Navy’s long-duration missions.
Dr. Kyle Woerner, the Manta Ray program manager at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), stated, “Our successful, full-scale Manta Ray testing validates the vehicle’s readiness to advance toward real-world operations.”
And 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.
Furthering unmanned capabilities, the Navy’s recent Integrated Battle Program 23.2 exercise involved four unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) – Mariner, Ranger, Seahawk, and Sea Hunter – which collectively transited over 46,000 nautical miles autonomously.
The exercise provided insights into how such drones could be integrated with traditional fleets.
“Through analysis, simulation, prototyping, and demonstration, exercises like IBP 23.2 advance manned-unmanned teaming to support traditional capabilities in the Indo-Pacific,” said Vice Adm. Michael Boyle, commander of US 3rd Fleet.
“As we continue employing these capabilities, our Sailors will gain confidence and skill operating alongside unmanned platforms that more seamlessly integrate across the force to enhance decision speed and lethality.”
Relevant articles:
– Navy tests surface drone that can dive for days at West African exercise, Stars and Stripes
– US Navy tests out new ‘Manta Ray’ drone that can stunningly hibernate on the sea floor for ‘very long periods’ — without even having to refuel, New York Post
– DARPA tests undersea Manta Ray drone prototype, looks to transition tech to Navy, DefenseScoop
– Navy tests ‘tactical’ employment of unmanned ships in months, Breaking Defense