Honeywell has been selected by the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DOD) Defense Innovation Unit to join the Transition of Quantum Sensing (TQS) programme. The initiative is designed to accelerate adoption of quantum sensors for alternative position, navigation and timing applications, as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance uses for the U.S. Joint Forces Command.
The company will support the TQS programme under two contracts, CRUISE (Compact Rubidium Unit for Inertial Sensing and Estimation) and QUEST (Quantum Enabled Sensor Technologies for MagNav). CRUISE, developed with Vector Atomic, will focus on quantum sensor-based Inertial Measurement Units to deliver standalone navigation without reliance on Global Navigation Satellite Systems vulnerable to jamming and spoofing.
“With the growing threat of jamming and spoofing, aircraft and naval vessels on critical missions can no longer rely solely on GPS,” said Matt Picchetti, vice president and general manager, Navigation and Sensors, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies. “Quantum sensors have the potential to augment existing navigation solutions, helping pilots operate with greater confidence. Honeywell’s pedigree in fielded sensors and navigation solutions provide us with a unique perspective to ensure the technology is viable beyond the laboratory.”
The QUEST programme aims to advance magnetic anomaly aided navigation, a GNSS-independent technique using quantum magnetometers to measure the Earth’s magnetic field for navigation. Honeywell will contribute new algorithms to improve navigation accuracy and support demonstrations of these systems in GNSS-denied flight.
Picchetti added: “As quantum sensor-based navigation technology matures, we believe it not only has the potential to displace existing technologies but will also be a serious disruptor to the inertial and magnetic sensor industries. Most importantly, it could improve navigation in high-stakes environments – enhancing safety, efficiency and overall mission success for the DOD.”