Non-disruptive quantum technology is taking off to boost Britain’s resilience

It is hoped that the quantum-based systems can ensure flights are not affected by GPS interference.

Britain has successfully completed commercial flight tests of an advanced quantum-based navigation system that cannot be jammed or spoofed by hostile actors.

It is hoped that the commercial world first in new quantum-based positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) systems can ensure flights are not affected by GPS interference, which is a rare occurrence, while providing accurate and resilient navigation that complements the current satellite systems.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) said Infleqtion, a quantum technology company, has collaborated on the project with aerospace companies BAE Systems and QinetiQ.

The trials were completed this week at MoD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire.

These tests mark the first time this type of groundbreaking technology has been tried on an aircraft in flight in Britain, the DSIT said.

They are also the first such flights worldwide to be publicly recognized, the DSTI added.

Science Minister Andrew Griffith, who was on board the latest test flight on Thursday, said: “From passenger flights to shipping, we all depend on navigation systems that are accurate and safe.

“The scientific research we support here in the field of quantum technology could well provide the resilience to protect our interests.

“The fact that this technology has flown in British airspace for the first time is further evidence that Britain is one of the world leaders in quantum technology.”

A compact Tiqker optical atomic clock and a tightly confined quantum system based on ultracold atoms were among the technologies demonstrated during a series of test flights.

It is hoped that the technology could be part of a quantum inertial navigation system (Q-INS), which has the potential to revolutionize PNT.

It could provide a system with exceptional accuracy and resilience, independent of traditional satellite navigation using GPS.

The project is supported by almost £8 million from the government.

This funding, through the £2.5 billion National Quantum Strategy and National Quantum Technologies Programme, aims to improve Britain’s position as a leading quantum economy.

Precision clocks are the key to modern PNT technology, which aids in location, navigation and time keeping.

The test is part of a project funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to try to create quantum sensors to tackle Britain’s heavy reliance on systems such as GPS for location, navigation and timing data.

It is thought that this dependency could create a vulnerability, where a failure, such as jamming or spoofing of GPS signals, could disrupt critical economic, defense and strategic activities.

Infleqtion’s UK president, Dr. Timothy Ballance, and BAE Systems’ Henry White, described the trials as “an important step forward” in the development of quantum PNT solutions.

Dr. Balance said: “The work we have done directly addresses the critical need to reduce our dependence on satellite navigation systems, which are vulnerable to several risks.

“The successful flight tests demonstrate the potential of quantum technology in overcoming challenges in navigation systems, which is an exciting development for future applications in the aerospace industry and beyond.”

Mr White believes the trials could help develop quantum technology that “could ultimately provide a significant military advantage”.

He added: “Knowing reliably and precisely when and where asset and sensor systems are located provides additional options for platform design and capabilities.

“This will play a major role in supporting the development of next-generation combat air systems.

“By working closely with the wider industry and experts now, in the early stages of technology development, we can shape the solution in a way that ensures the technology can be integrated for military applications.”

The consortium working with Infleqtion includes Fraunhofer Center for Applied Photonics, Alter Technology UK, Caledonian Photonics, Redwave Labs, PA Consulting, BAE Systems and QinetiQ.