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Infleqtion, Qinetiq demonstrate unjammable quantum navigation

Infleqtion, Qinetiq demonstrate unjammable quantum navigation

Technology News |
By Peter Clarke



The UK has hosted commercial flight trials of quantum-based navigation system technologies that can resist being jammed or spoofed.

Infleqtion, a US quantum technology firm with a UK subsidiary, in collaboration with BAE Systems and QinetiQ, completed trials of the quantum-based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) system at MoD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire, on Thursday May 9.

The development project, led by Infleqtion – formerly known as Cold Quantum – received £8 million in funding from the UK government.

Two quantum technologies have been demonstrated aboard QinetiQ’s RJ100 Airborne Technology Demonstrator, a modified aircraft: the compact Tiqker optical atomic clock and a tightly confined ultra-cold-atom-based quantum system. These technologies form part of a Quantum Inertial Navigation System (Q-INS). This should be able to provide exceptional accuracy and resilience, independent of traditional satellite navigation using Global Positioning by Satellite (GPS).

The cornerstone of PNT is precision clocks and atoms that have been cooled to temperatures near absolute zero are optimal for building quantum accelerometers and gyroscopes, which form the heart of a Q-INS.

The test flights were part of a project to address UK reliance on a single point of potential failure (GPS) that could disrupt critical economic, defence, and strategic activities. Others working on the project alongside Infleqtion, Qinetiq and BAe Systems are: the Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics, Alter Technology TUV Nord UK, Caledonian Photonics, Redwave Labs Ltd., and PA Consulting.

“Our recent trials mark a significant step forward in the development of quantum PNT solutions,” said Timothy Ballance, president of Infleqtion UK, in a statement.. “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,” he added.

Henry White, the leader of sensing technology developments at BAE Systems, said: “This will play a big role in supporting the development of next generation combat air systems. Working closely with wider industry and experts now, at the early stages of the technology development, helps us to shape the solution in a way that ensures the technology can be integrated for military applications.”

The research consoritum is on a mission to deploy quantum navigation systems on aircraft by 2030.

Related links and articles:

www.Infleqtion.com

www.qinetiq.com

News articles:

Infleqtion buys two photonics firms for chip-scale quantum computing

Archer, EPFL develop quantum sensing chip

Cold atoms boost quantum sensing

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