Secret navy drone revealed on Google Maps: A hidden Manta Ray
Internet users utilizing the Google Maps satellite function stumbled upon an unusual sight at the Port Hueneme naval base in California. The images clearly show an experimental underwater drone shaped like a manta ray, which was supposed to remain strictly secret.
10:01 AM EDT, June 29, 2024
Manta Ray is an advanced project of the U.S. Navy, aiming to create an autonomous submarine with long-range and low energy consumption. This unit has been in the testing phase for about three years, and its existence was meant to remain a secret. Therefore, its discovery on publicly available satellite images surprises observers.
Manta Ray on Google Maps
The appearance of Manta Ray images on Google Maps raises questions about whether this is an accidental disclosure of secret information or a deliberate action by the U.S. Navy. Some speculate it may be a communication directed at rival powers, such as Russia or China, with whom the United States has tense relations.
Interestingly, the images have not been removed or blurred on Google Maps despite the time since the discovery. Usually, military areas are censored on publicly available maps, which further fuels speculation about the intentions behind this incident. Platform users can still freely view the secret unit.
A new kind of submarine
Manta Ray represents a new generation of uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUV). Its unique shape, inspired by the manta ray, is designed to ensure high performance and operational efficiency. The U.S. Navy has high hopes for this project in the context of future maritime operations and increasing its technological advantage.
It is worth noting that the United States is not the only country developing this type of technology. Last year, Russia announced that it would be working on its unmanned underwater drone. France is also researching similar systems through the Naval Group company, commissioned by the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA).
