Page 17 - ADT NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2023 Online Magazine

UNDERLYING DATA

UUV technology has become a force multiplier for manned platforms and
is essential to meet critical oceanography requirements.

By JAY MENON

he increasing number of nuclear submarines “Such systems could allow traditional host vessels
around the world and the development and increased freedom of operational flexibility while pro-
deployment of unmanned underwater vehicles viding traditional servicing ports with relief of workload.
T (UUVs) for military operations have increased the “The Manta Ray programme of DARPA seeks to
threat for countries surrounded by water borders. demonstrate critical technologies for a new class
of long duration, long range, payload-capable
The increasing political tensions over the oceans, like the UUVs. If successful, this new class of UUV will give
ones in the South China Sea and the Pacific and Atlantic the combatant commander an amplification of
Oceans, have led to the countries along these water capacity without disrupting current operations
bodies to develop their anti-submarine warfare capa- by remaining independent of manned vessels
bilities.
and ports once deployed,” Dr. Kyle Woerner, Tactical
Technology Office, Programme Manager at DARPA.
UUVs that operate for extended durations without the
need for human-present logistic support or maintenance
offer the potential for persistent operations in forward Manta Ray is a multi-phase effort that includes at-sea
environments. demonstration of critical technologies. The programme
is using a disciplined systems engineering approach to
ASIAN DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023 | 17