Un-jammable quantum technology takes flight ‘to boost UK’S resilience’

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

It is hoped the commercial worldfirst in new quantum-based positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) systems could help flights from being hit by GPS jamming, which is a rare occurrence, while also providing accurate and resilient navigation that complements current satellite systems.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) said that Infleqtion, a quantum technology firm, has been working with aerospace companies BAE Systems and Qinetiq on the project.

Trials were completed at MOD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire this week.

These tests are the first time that this sort of ground-breaking technology has been trialled in the UK on an aircraft in flight, the DSIT said.

Science minister Andrew Griffith, who was aboard the final test flight on Thursday, said: “From passenger flights to shipping, 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. 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.”

A compact Tiqker optical atomic clock and a tightly confined ultracold-atom-based quantum system were among the technologies that were demonstrated in a series of test flights.