Oxford’s Infleqtion leads world-first flight trials for quantum navigation tech
The UK has successfully completed commercial flight trials of advanced quantum-based navigation systems that cannot be jammed or spoofed by hostile actors.
While GPS jamming is currently relatively rare and does not directly impact an aircraft’s flight path, new quantum-based positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) systems could, over time, offer part of a larger solution to providing highly accurate and resilient navigation that complements current satellite systems.
This would in turn help ensure that the thousands of flights which take place around the world daily proceed without disruption.
Infleqtion, an Oxford-based quantum technology firm, in collaboration with BAE Systems and QinetiQ, completed the trials at MOD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire, with science minister Andrew Griffith aboard the final test flight on Thursday 9 May.
These tests are the first time this kind of technology has been tested in the UK on an aircraft in flight, and the first such flights worldwide to have been publicly acknowledged.
The project has received almost £8 million from the government, which – together with the £2.5 billion National Quantum Strategy and the National Quantum Technologies Programme – aims to cement the UK’s position as a leading quantum-enabled economy.
Andrew Griffith said: “From passenger flights to shipping, we all depend on navigation systems that are accurate, safe and secure.
“The scientific research we’re supporting here 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.”
In a series of test flights, the Infleqtion-led team demonstrated two novel quantum technologies – the compact Tiqker optical atomic clock and a tightly confined ultra-cold-atom-based quantum system.
Both were fitted aboard QinetiQ’s RJ100 Airborne Technology Demonstrator, a modified aircraft.
The technology being tested on the flight will form part of a quantum inertial navigation system (Q-INS), which has the potential to revolutionise PNT.
This system offers exceptional accuracy and resilience, independent of traditional satellite navigation using GPS.
The test is part of a project funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) specifically focusing on creating quantum sensors to address the UK's heavy reliance on GNSS/GPS for location, navigation, and timing data.
This dependence creates a vulnerability, as a single point of failure – like jamming or spoofing GPS signals – could disrupt critical economic, defence, and strategic activities.
The consortium working alongside Infleqtion, BAE Systems and QinetiQ includes Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics, Alter Technology UK, Caledonian Photonics, Redwave Labs and PA Consulting.
Dr Timothy Ballance, president of Infleqtion UK, added: “Our recent trials mark a significant step forward in the development of quantum PNT solutions.
“The work we’ve 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.”
