In a significant advancement in aviation technologies, the UK has completed first-of-its-kind commercial flight trials of advanced quantum-based navigation systems. These enable aircraft communication that cannot be jammed or spoofed by hostile actors.
The new quantum-based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) system was developed by quantum technology firm Infleqtion.
The technology was tested at the Ministry of Defence’s facility at Boscombe Down in Wiltshire with aerospace companies BAE Systems and QinetiQ. It could eventually provide highly accurate and resilient navigation that complements current satellite systems.
According to the companies, this could help ensure that the thousands of flights that take place every day around the world proceed without disruption, even though GPS jamming is currently relatively rare and has no direct impact on an aircraft’s flight path.
“The successful flight trials demonstrate the potential of quantum technology in overcoming navigation system challenges, which is an exciting development for future applications in the aerospace industry and beyond,” said Dr Timothy Ballance, president of Infleqtion UK, in a statement.
Ultra-cold atoms & optical clocks
The group led by Infleqtion has shown two advanced quantum technologies in a series of test flights: a tightly contained ultra-cold-atom-based quantum system and a small Tiqker optical atomic clock. The systems were tested using QinetiQ’s modified RJ100 Airborne Technology Demonstrator.
The company’s website states, “Tiqker ensures continuous access to precise timing for data centers and telecommunications infrastructure that rely on GNSS/GPS-based timing solutions, even during interruptions.”
The technology undergoing testing during the flight will contribute to developing a Quantum Inertial Navigation System (Q-INS).
According to the firm, this system promises to transform PNT’s capabilities, providing unparalleled precision and reliability. It operates autonomously, avoiding reliance on conventional GPS-based satellite navigation.
PNT systems are vital in determining whereabouts, aiding navigation, and maintaining accurate timekeeping. Precision clocks are at the core of contemporary PNT technology and indispensable for numerous applications.
Another essential component is the portable generation of ultracold atoms. These atoms, cooled to temperatures nearing absolute zero, are optimal for constructing quantum accelerometers and gyroscopes, essential components of a Quantum Inertial Navigation System (Q-INS).
UK’s quantum strategy
The trials also mark an important step toward achieving Mission 4 of the UK’s National Quantum Strategy, which will be achieved with the conclusion of these flight experiments.
The tests conducted are a component of a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)–funded project that aims to develop quantum sensors to address the UK’s significant GNSS/GPS dependency for timing, navigation, and location data.
This dependence poses a risk to vital defense, economic, and geopolitical operations due to the possibility of a single point of failure (such as jamming or spoofing GPS signals).
The government has provided over £8 million to support this project. This financing, along with the National Quantum Technologies Programme and the £2.5 billion National Quantum Strategy, is intended to solidify the UK’s standing as a leading quantum-enabled economy.
The goal of this effort is to install quantum navigation systems on aircraft by 2030, which will offer improved accuracy and robustness without reliance on satellite signals.
“These trials are an important step forward in developing quantum technology that could ultimately offer a significant military advantage. Knowing reliably and precisely when and where any asset and sensor system are, feeds into additional options for platform design and capability,” said Henry White, Sensing Technology Lead – BAE Systems.
BAE Systems believes the development will significantly advance next-generation combat air systems. By collaborating closely with broader industry and experts during the early stages of technology development, efforts are aimed at shaping the solution to facilitate seamless integration for military applications.
ABOUT THE EDITOR
Jijo Malayil Jijo is an automotive and business journalist based in India. Armed with a BA in History (Honors) from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, and a PG diploma in Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, he has worked for news agencies, national newspapers, and automotive magazines. In his spare time, he likes to go off-roading, engage in political discourse, travel, and teach languages.
