The UK has made a big leap in quantum technology news by finishing a test flight of its new Quantum Inertial Navigation System (Q-INS) at Boscombe Down. This new tech, different from usual GPS, was not affected by GPS jamming by other countries. It showed it could keep flights going without interruption.
The system was created by Infleqtion in Oxford and uses quantum tech with an atomic clock. It can tell when the motion changes, making it strong against interference. Recently, lots of flights have been messed up by GPS jamming. Some issues, especially in the Nordic and Baltic areas, seem to come from Russia. The UK’s new tech could be a great way to solve this1.
The UK plans to put this tech in all commercial planes by 2030 to keep flights safe1. This move is meant to protect against GPS problems, which is more important now because of political tensions and tech weaknesses1. This big step could change how we navigate and keep flights secure worldwide.
Introduction to Quantum Navigation Systems
Quantum navigation systems are a new step in positioning technologies. They aim to fix the flaws of traditional GPS. Using quantum tech, these systems are more secure against jamming and spoofing. With growing geopolitical tensions, reliable and secure positioning tech has become very important. Quantum navigation offers a promising solution.
The Quantum Inertial Navigation System (Q-INS) is a groundbreaking innovation. It got nearly £8 million in funding from UK Research and Innovation. The goal is to rely less on GNSS/GPS for finding locations and timing2. It was tested successfully in flight at the Ministry of Defence’s Boscombe Down site in Wiltshire2. The UK plans to put Q-INS on all commercial flights by 20301.
Recently, GPS jamming has become a big problem. Experts say many civilian flights have been hit by this in the last few months1. Finland even stopped flights between Helsinki and Tarfu because of it1.
Infleqtion’s Tiqker optical atomic clock and its unique quantum system played a key role in Q-INS’s flight tests2. These parts make the system strong and accurate. They help tackle the weaknesses of GPS-dependent navigation. Plus, this work supports the UK’s National Quantum Strategy’s Mission 4. The goal is to make strategic resilience better by using quantum navigation on planes2.
UK Successfully Tests Quantum Navigation Systems Impervious to Jamming
The UK has hit a big goal by testing quantum navigation systems that can’t be jammed. These tests happened at MoD Boscombe Down. It’s a big step for aviation navigation, with big companies like Infleqtion, BAE Systems, and QinetiQ involved.
They used special Tiqker optical atomic clocks and quantum systems in these tests. A plane called the QinetiQ’s RJ100 Airborne Technology Demonstrator flew with this tech. This made it the first time such advanced quantum navigation was tested in a commercial flight. It’s a new high for aviation tech3.
Over eight hours, they tested the Quantum Inertial Navigation System (Q-INS) on an Avro RJ100 plane. Recently, many planes couldn’t use GPS because of jamming. This new tech could solve that problem1. Especially since, lately, some countries saw a lot of GPS jamming coming from Russia1.
The success of these tests comes right after an incident with UK’s defense secretary Grant Shapps. His flight over Kaliningrad was jammed. This breakthrough shows the UK’s effort to protect flights worldwide. They aim to have all commercial planes use quantum navigation by 20301.
Technical Components of Quantum Navigation Systems
Quantum navigation systems rely on advanced quantum technology. Optical atomic clocks, like Infleqtion’s Tiqker, bring top-notch timing accuracy. Together with an ultra-cold atom quantum system, they pinpoint position by measuring inertial forces345. This setup works on its own, free from external satellite signals.
It’s also tough against electronic attacks, including jamming and spoofing345.
Moreover, quantum accelerometers and gyroscopes are key to the Quantum Inertial Navigation System (Q-INS). They track movement and direction with high accuracy3. These components ensure the system’s top performance in navigation35.
The Tiqker clock and ultra-cold atom system showed their worth on QinetiQ’s RJ100 Airborne Tech Demonstrator. This highlights big advancements in quantum navigation35.
Collaboration and Development
The UK’s quantum navigation systems have grown quickly, thanks to teamwork between the government, industry, and schools. About £8 million from the UK government helped start this high-tech project46. This money is part of a bigger plan to make the UK a top name in quantum tech.
Companies like BAE Systems and QinetiQ, and the US’s Infleqtion, played big roles46. They worked with groups like Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics and Alter Technology UK4. Together, they did test flights that showed how well the new quantum navigation works4.
Tests in Wiltshire showed how accurate these quantum systems and atomic clocks are6. This progress is towards the UK’s goal to have quantum systems on planes by 203046. Their work could change how we find our way, making it safer and less dependent on old systems4.
Source Links
- https://www.euronews.com/next/2024/05/13/uk-completes-first-test-flight-of-un-jammable-quantum-navigation-system
- https://thenextweb.com/news/uk-quantum-navigation-world-first-flight-replace-gps
- https://gemserv.com/our-thoughts/uk-tests-unjammable-quantum-navigation-system/
- https://quantumzeitgeist.com/uks-quantum-navigation-tech-soars-in-world-first-flight-boosting-defence-against-gps-jamming/
- https://www.spacewar.com/reports/Quantum_navigation_system_successfully_trialed_in_UK_flights_999.html
- https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/uk-first-unhackable-quantum-tech-for-aircrafts
