The Royal Navy is testing groundbreaking quantum technology at sea.
- A Southampton-based startup, Aquark, developed unique ‘cold atom’ technology.
- The trials were performed on the HMS Pursuer under various conditions.
- This technology could enhance the Royal Navy’s non-GPS navigation capabilities.
- Aquark recently secured significant funding to advance their work.
The Royal Navy, known for its forward-thinking approach to technology, is currently exploring innovative quantum solutions for its operations at sea. A recent trial conducted aboard the HMS Pursuer involved testing ‘cold atom’ technology, developed by the Southampton-based startup Aquark. This initiative reflects a strategic move towards integrating advanced scientific methods into military operations, aiming for a tactical edge in global maritime challenges.
Aquark’s technology focuses on ‘cold atoms,’ which are cooled to near absolute zero, facilitating precision measurements. This technology shows promise in enhancing navigational systems, especially in environments where traditional GPS signals are inadequate or unavailable. As Aquark’s co-founder and CEO, Andrei Dragomir, stated, “With this latest trial of our technology at sea with the Royal Navy, we are continuing to show the real-life applications of our technology after our successful flight of the first cold atom device on a drone.” His comments highlight the real-world applicability and potential of quantum technology in diverse operational scenarios.
The experiment on the HMS Pursuer was designed to test the cold atom technology under various realistic operating states, maneuvering the vessel through different environments to evaluate its effectiveness. The successful trials demonstrated Aquark’s ability to continuously capture cold atoms in diverse conditions, showcasing the robustness and reliability of their technology. This aligns with ongoing efforts by the Royal Navy to explore advanced navigation solutions, ensuring operational readiness in the most challenging circumstances.
Commander Matthew Steele, leading future technology developments for the Royal Navy, emphasized the strategic importance of these trials. “Quantum technologies being developed in the UK will offer an alternative Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) capability necessary to operate effectively in GPS-denied and degraded environments,” he explained. Over the forthcoming years, the Royal Navy aims to speed up the development of such technologies through strategic funding and ongoing sea trials, thereby maintaining its global advantage.
Earlier in the year, Aquark secured a substantial £3.4 million contract from Innovate UK, a government entity focused on innovation funding. This contract is intended to support the development of a high-performance cold atom clock, a crucial component in the advancement of quantum technologies. This funding underlines the government’s commitment to fostering cutting-edge technological advancements that could redefine strategic capabilities in maritime operations.
The successful trials of quantum technology by the Royal Navy and Aquark mark a significant step forward in enhancing navigational capabilities for future challenges.
