A flight test campaign in the United Kingdom demonstrated components of quantum-based navigation systems that cannot be jammed or spoofed by hostile actors.
The jamming and spoofing of global satellite positioning systems is a growing problem in aviation, especially in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, and the industry is taking steps to combat the threat.
The development of quantum-based positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) systems offers a way to improve positioning accuracy and resilience, independent of traditional satellite navigation that uses GPS.
Flight tests demonstrated an optical atomic clock, including Tiqker, from quantum technology company Infleqtion, and the core elements of a quantum inertial sensor on board defense company QinetiQ’s RJ100 Airborne Technology Demonstrator.
The R&D and testing are part of a National Quantum Strategy that aims to deploy quantum navigation systems on aircraft. The series of flight tests from the Ministry of Defense base at Boscombe Down, Wiltshire, are the first flights of their kind worldwide that have been publicly recognised. The £10.5 million ($13.2 million) project also involved BAE Systems.
PNT systems determine location, navigate and keep track of time using extremely accurate clocks. Ultracold atoms – atoms that have been cooled to temperatures close to absolute zero – are used to build quantum accelerometers and gyroscopes and form the core of a Quantum Inertial Navigation System (Q-INS).
Dr Timothy Balance, Chairman of Infleqtion UK, said: “Our recent trials mark a significant step forward in the development of quantum PNT solutions. The work we have carried out directly addresses the critical need to reduce our dependence on satellite navigation systems, which are vulnerable to a number of risks.
“The successful flight tests demonstrate the potential of quantum technology in overcoming the challenges of navigation systems, which is an exciting development for future applications in the aerospace industry and beyond.”
Henry White, detection technology lead at BAE Systems, said: “These tests are an important step in the development of quantum technology that could offer a significant military advantage.
“Knowing reliably and accurately when and where any assets and sensor systems are provides additional options for platform design and capability. This will play a huge role in supporting the development of next-generation combat air systems.”
Simon Galt, Aerial Managing Director at QinetiQ, said: “We are proud to partner with BAE Systems and Infleqtion to enable the successful trial of this cutting-edge technology, demonstrating our ability to quickly and effectively collaborate across the entire aviation ecosystem. defense by combining our quantum expertise with our Airborne Technology Demonstrator jet.”
