Photo: Sean Redington/Boeing
Boeing has completed what is believed to be the first recorded flight test of multiple quantum sensors, demonstrating an aircraft’s ability to navigate without GPS for four hours. The test, conducted in 2024, marked the first known operation of quantum...
To read the full article, please log in or enter your email below:
Boeing has completed what is believed to be the first recorded flight test of multiple quantum sensors, demonstrating an aircraft’s ability to navigate without GPS for four hours. The test, conducted in 2024, marked the first known operation of quantum sensors on an aircraft during flight, generating real-time navigation data necessary for future applications of the technology.
The flight test involved a six-axis quantum inertial measurement unit (IMU), integrated into a full inertial navigation system and deployed on a Beechcraft 1900D. Unlike conventional IMUs, the quantum IMU is designed to provide greater accuracy, reducing navigation errors from tens of kilometres to within tens of metres over long flights. Boeing engineers incorporated additional sensors and hardware to ensure reliable performance, resulting in what is described as the first quantum-enabled navigation system of its kind.
The test, conducted from St. Louis, confirmed that the quantum sensors functioned effectively during takeoff, landing, and various manoeuvres. “Boeing is leading the development of quantum technology that will help improve flight safety,” said Ken Li, Boeing Principal Senior Technical Fellow and principal investigator for quantum navigation. The company collaborated with California-based AOSense to design and build the quantum IMU. “We designed our quantum IMU for robust operation in harsh environments, and we are pleased to confirm that during the flight test the sensor performed along all input axes much as we predicted,” said AOSense president Brenton Young.
The IMU relies on atom interferometry to measure rotation and acceleration using atoms, allowing for navigation without GPS. It consists of three quantum inertial sensors that track the aircraft’s movement from its initial position. Boeing and AOSense engineers worked over 15 months to develop the system from three single-axis sensors in a laboratory setting to a fully operational quantum IMU in flight, with multiple tests conducted in laboratory, ground vehicle, and flight environments. “Such rapid advancements indicate great promise for quantum sensors to be part of the next generation of navigation sensors,” said Jay Lowell, Boeing Principal Senior Technical Fellow and quantum technology research manager.
The flights also tested Boeing’s All Source Positioning, Navigation and Timing (ASPNT) software, which integrates data from various GPS-denied navigation technologies, including vision-based, terrain-referenced, and gravity-anomaly-referenced navigation. Two additional sensors were tested: AQNav, a quantum navigation system developed by SandboxAQ, and a star tracker co-developed by Boeing and HRL Laboratories. The star tracker, equipped with shortwave infrared (SWIR) technology, provided precise attitude and position references, while AQNav utilised the Earth’s magnetic field to reduce navigation drift. “Rapid advances were greatly accelerated thanks to Boeing’s collaborative approach and their exceptional ability to integrate with SandboxAQ,” said AQNav senior hardware engineer Eddie Rodriguez.
Boeing plans further laboratory tests to examine the quantum IMU’s performance under different environmental conditions, such as temperature and vibration. The results will inform improvements in the system’s robustness and reliability.
Original story by Mychaela Kekeris, Boeing Writer.
Embraer will showcase high performance, multi-role aircraft as well as comprehensive solutions for air, land, sea, space, and cyber at…
Semi Conductor Devices (SCD), which develops and manufactures a range of cooled and uncooled infrared detectors and high-power laser diodes,…
Indra is coordinating the NG MIMA (Next Generation Military Integrated Modular Avionics) project, a European initiative aimed at developing a…
Boeing has reached a record high in its production of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) seekers, delivering over 500 units in…
Exail has successfully delivered critical navigation equipment to the Finnish Navy, marking a major step forward in the Squadron 2020…
ZeroAvia has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant by AFWERX to study the feasibility of integrating hydrogen…
RENK Group AG has announced a collaboration with NXP Semiconductors to enhance the digitalisation of its product portfolio. The partnership…
The organisers of Indo Aerospace 2024 Expo & Forum will visit the international airshow at Avalon Airport in Victoria, Australia,…
At the 2025 Airbus Summit, the company outlined its updated plans for future commercial aviation, including preparations for a next-generation…
The inter airport Southeast Asia (IASEA) 2025 has commenced at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, bringing together industry professionals, global solution…
A new European research project, PACIFIC (Particle emissions, Air Quality and Climate Impact related to Fuel Composition and Engine Cycle),…
Airbus has introduced a pilot programme to trial a “Book and Claim” approach for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), aiming to…
Boeing has completed what is believed to be the first recorded flight test of multiple quantum sensors, demonstrating an aircraft’s…
CAE New Zealand has been awarded a contract by the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) to provide maintenance and…
New Zealand’s Search and Rescue Services (SRSL) has ordered four Airbus H145 helicopters to support its emergency medical services (EMS)…
NEC Corporation has received an order from Japan’s Immigration Services Agency (ISA) to supply walkthrough gates incorporating facial recognition technology…
L3Harris Technologies has received a US$90 million follow-on, sole-source contract from U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command to further advance…
In an unprecedented decision, the Israeli government has approved the establishment of a new subsidiary of Rafael Advanced Combat Systems…
The Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) has signed a contract with Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, to equip 12 CH-53K…
Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram has been appointed as the new Director General of the Israel Ministry of Defence (IMOD)…
The Australian Government has signed a $200 million agreement with the United States to acquire additional MK-48 Heavy Weight Torpedoes…
SpearUAV has completed a funding round led by Deep Insight venture fund, with participation from existing and new private investors.…
Qantas Freight has partnered with CargoAi to expand its digital distribution, allowing freight forwarders to book capacity on selected Qantas…
Korean business aviation operator K-Aviation has received the country's first corporate ACH160 helicopter. The aircraft will be added to its…
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has received EMAR/FR 145 Maintenance Organisation Approval from the French Military Continuing Airworthiness Authority,…
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has placed an order for 18 Boeing 737-8 and 12 Boeing 737-10 aircraft to modernise Malaysia…
Liebherr and SkyWest Airlines have signed an agreement for the overhaul of landing gear systems on SkyWest’s fleet of Embraer…
EDGE Group entities POWERTECH and ADASI have agreed on the first order for POWERTECH’s P145i combustion engine. The engine, designed…
Safran Electronics & Defense has secured a contract from the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) to supply Multi-Mission Parachutes to…
Spectra Group (UK) Ltd has been assisting the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in improving their strategic communications capabilities,…
Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.
Copyright 2024. GBP. All Rights Reserved.
Home Defence & Security Space Commercial Aviation Maintence Repair & Overhaul Daily News Events About Us
2025 GBP all rights reserved.