Jam-resistant quantum navigation tech takes flight for the first time

By Tanya Weaver, Mon 13 May 2024

Collected at : https://eandt.theiet.org/2024/05/13/jam-resistant-quantum-navigation-tech-developed-uk-has-taken-flight-first-time

Advanced quantum-based navigation systems that cannot be jammed or spoofed by hostile actors have successfully flown for the first time in commercial flight trials.

Planes rely on satellite-based GPS (global positioning systems) for positioning, navigation and timing (PNT). GPS jamming occurs when a frequency transmitting device is used to block or interfere with radio communications that are stronger than the satellite-based GPS signals.

Just last month it was reported that since August 2023 thousands of flights to and from Europe had been affected by suspected Russian jamming  of GPS systems.

While GPS jamming or spoofing GPS signals is relatively rare and does not directly impact an aircraft’s flight path, it has the potential to disrupt critical economic, defence and strategic activities. 

As a result, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has provided £8m in funding to support the development of quantum-based navigation systems as part of its vision to make the UK a leading quantum-enabled economy.

The project was led by Infleqtion, a quantum technology firm, and in collaboration with industry and academic partners including BAE Systems and QinetiQ, it developed a new quantum-based PNT system.

A series of trials took flight from MoD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire onboard QinetiQ’s RJ100 Airborne Technology Demonstrator, a modified aircraft.

These tests mark the first time that such ground-breaking quantum technology has been tested in the UK on an aircraft in flight, and the first such flights worldwide that have been publicly acknowledged.

Science minister Andrew Griffith, who was aboard the final test flight on Thursday (9 May), said: “The fact that this technology has flown for the first time in British skies is further proof of the UK as one of the world leaders on quantum.”
 

QinetiQ

During the test flights, the team led by Infleqtion demonstrated two quantum technologies: the compact Tiqker optical atomic clock and a tightly confined ultra-cold-atom-based quantum system.

According to Infleqtion, these quantum-based systems, which cannot be jammed or spoofed by hostile actors, could offer exceptional accuracy and resilience, independent of traditional satellite navigation using GPS.

Timothy Ballance, Infleqtion UK president, said: “Our recent trials mark a significant step forward in the development of quantum PNT solutions. The work we have done directly addresses the critical need to reduce our reliance on satellite navigation systems, which are vulnerable to various risks.

“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.”