Lockheed Martin has secured a contract with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to prototype a quantum-enabled inertial navigation system.
The system is dubbed QuINS and uses motion-sensitive quantum sensors to calculate a platform’s position, speed, and orientation.
Internal measurements provide accurate navigation and location-tracking capabilities, even when GPS is unavailable.
Under the contract, Lockheed Martin will partner with two other firms, Q-CTRL and AOSense.
The initiative’s first phase will assess the performance of QuINS, with companies collaborating with the DIU to test quantum sensing capabilities and evaluate its practical applications in realistic scenarios.
“Our collaboration with quantum industry leaders Q-CTRL and AOSense brings together the necessary expertise to deliver a cutting-edge solution that meets the needs of the warfighter, and we believe has the potential to save lives on the battlefield,” stated Valerie Browning, VP of Research & Technology at Lockheed Martin.
Quantum Sensors
The US government seeks to advance the development of quantum sensor applications for military use, focusing on contested environments where reliable navigation is essential.
Under the Robust Quantum Sensors program, the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency aims to develop quantum sensors for moving military platforms.
The initiative’s potential applications include computing, encryption, communications, and navigation systems as an alternative to traditional light- and sound-based sensors.
In August 2023, the US Air Force commissioned the development of a quantum navigation system to SandboxAQ, a company spun off from Alphabet, to enhance navigation in GPS-jammed environments.
