Quantum navigation: the magnetic secret for precisely determining aircraft location

Navigation systems like GPS and Galileo are  so ubiquitous – built into our phones, cameras, cars, watches and more – that they might seem unavoidable. But while they may underpin almost everything in modern society, a revolutionary technology that may be more accurate and reliable could one day force systems like GPS to share the spotlight: quantum navigation.

While Europe’s Galileo and the US’ GPS rely on satellites to determine a user's location, quantum navigation works differently. It’s based on quantum mechanics, which is the study of nature at the atomic and subatomic levels. Quantum navigation relies on quantum sensing, which uses the established principles of quantum mechanics to measure aspects of nature with incredible precision and sensitivity.

When it comes to navigation, this means quantum sensors can use the Earth’s magnetic field to pinpoint location, which can then be used to reliably navigate. The Earth’s magnetic field is influenced by several variables, but quantum sensing is specifically searching for localised signatures coming from the unique distribution of magnetised minerals in the Earth’s crust. These variations can be thought of as permanent, immutable fingerprints, or signatures, that allow location to be determined with startling accuracy. This makes it especially useful for industries where continuous coverage is needed, like shipping and aviation. It also makes it one of the most reliable ways to navigate, in addition to satellites. 

How quantum navigation works: an introduction to MagNav

Using quantum sensing to navigate is called magnetic anomaly-based navigation, or MagNav. It requires massive computational effort, both to map and then identify location signatures, and they must filter out interfering variables like atmospheric noise and the aircraft’s own magnetic field to produce an accurate reading.

A pre-existing database of magnetic maps can then be built, permitting advanced algorithms to compare the sensor’s real-time reading with the existing map to provide location data. This can then be checked against maps and other navigational information to confirm location, providing critical redundancy for these systems.

While it may sound complicated, MagNav is not just a theoretical dream for the future of aircraft navigation – it’s already in the works. Airbus is currently testing the robustness of the technology in order to mature quantum navigation technologies for future use in aerospace. 

A new layer of resilience: unjammable navigation for GPS denied environments

For aerospace, the potential of quantum navigating is particularly exciting because the technology is not only highly accurate, but is impermeable to GPS jamming or spoofing. These are general terms used to refer to interference with all types of navigation satellite systems, Galileo included. GPS jamming occurs when a bad actor emits a disruptive signal on the same frequency as the GPS satellite, blocking the signal from getting through. GPS spoofing, meanwhile, is when a counterfeit signal with incorrect location data is sent that is read by the GPS receiver as being real. Both types of subterfuge are complicated to execute, but they are becoming a growing threat due to geopolitical instability.

Safety is always Airbus’ first priority, and in the case of GPS jamming or spoofing, Airbus aircraft have backup navigation solutions that pilots are fully trained to operate. But in the spirit of constantly expanding critical redundancy, quantum navigation provides pilots with additional information. Since quantum sensors measure the Earth’s magnetic field – a physical force not reliant on or created by humans – there is nothing to jam. It could one day be the quickest way of telling if a GPS signal is accurate or not. 

Beyond navigation: Airbus' vision for quantum technology in aerospace

Quantum navigation is just the tip of the iceberg for what changes quantum technologies could bring to the aerospace industry. While some aspects of quantum may seem like science fiction, Airbus is testing how it can be applied to aviation, for example in stress testing aircraft wings and designing hydrogen fuel cells.

Virtual testing of these technologies takes place on special quantum computers operated by a limited number of labs. Once quantum computers become available at scale, quantum mechanics will play a key role in making Airbus products and systems safer, more efficient and less expensive to produce.