According to information published by Opex 360 on October 24, 2022, Defense Innovation Agency (AID), is keeping an eye on innovative projects that could strengthen the French Navy's ability to operate in the deep sea. This is the case of the AUV Manta, a naval drone developed by the French company Marine Tech.
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Model of the future Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Manta. (Picture source: Navy Recognition)
Shaped like a manta ray, this autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) can behave like a drone on the surface, then dive to a depth of 6,000 meters. Hence its innovative character, according to AID.
With a length of 2.8 meters, the AUV Manta can move at a speed of 6 knots and has an autonomy of 8 hours. Capable, therefore, of descending to -6,000 meters, it carries a payload of about 80 kg, including a multibeam sonar, a side scan sonar, a sediment sounder, three high-resolution cameras, and a hydrophone.
This will enable it to monitor the air, surface, and underwater environment or to locate and map objects on the seabed. It will also be able to serve as a discrete communication relay between two ships.
The AUV Manta will be able to deport a relay antenna to increase its communication range or to deport a camera at an altitude of 100 meters to improve its field of observation, thanks to an aerial drone that will be supplied as an option, depending on its version.
Because of its simplicity of implementation, this innovation would be an asset for the French Navy, particularly in terms of decision support via the collection of tactical information in secure real-time.
