To combat global navigation satellite system (GNSS) jamming and spoofing, a UK government program has conducted flight testing of a quantum-based navigation system. A series of flights took place using QinetiQ’s RJ100 airborne technology demonstrator equipped with a Tiqker optical atomic clock and an ultra-cold-atom-based quantum system.
The tests are designed to prove technology that will lead to the development of a quantum inertial navigation system (Q-INS), according to the UK government, which is funding this effort with nearly £8 million ($10.2 million). This is part of the UK’s £2.5 billion National Quantum Strategy and National Quantum Technologies Program.
“Quantum-based positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) systems could, over time, offer one part of a larger solution to providing highly accurate and resilient navigation that complements current satellite systems, which could help ensure that the thousands of flights that take place around the world daily proceed without disruption.”
Research into quantum PNT technology and the Q-INS is led by Infleqtion, with collaboration from BAE Systems and QinetiQ. The tests were done at MoD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire. Science minister Andrew Griffith was on the final test flight on May 9. “From passenger flights to shipping,” he said, "we all depend on navigation systems that are accurate, safe, and secure. The scientific research we are supporting here on quantum technology could well provide the resilience to protect our interests.”