The Royal Navy has successfully trialed Infleqtion’s Tiqker quantum optical atomic clock aboard the testbed submarine XV Excalibur, marking a significant advancement in navigation technology for underwater operations. This innovative clock provides ultra-precise timing crucial for navigating in environments where Global Positioning System (GPS) signals are unavailable.
Submarines operate under unique conditions, often remaining submerged for extended periods, which limits their access to GPS. As a result, they must rely on alternative internal systems, such as inertial navigation and acoustic positioning, that require extremely accurate timing. Even minor timing inaccuracies in these systems can accumulate, leading to significant errors in position estimates over time.
Traditional atomic clocks, which rely on microwave technology, offer a level of accuracy but can still experience drift in timing over prolonged periods. In contrast, quantum optical atomic clocks operate at frequencies that are 10,000 times higher than their microwave counterparts, resulting in unprecedented levels of precision and stability in timing. This technology is designed to significantly enhance navigation accuracy, enabling submarines to conduct longer, covert missions while submerged.
Commodore Marcus Rose described the trial as a pivotal milestone in developing Extra Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) capabilities within the Royal Navy. He emphasized that this advancement demonstrates the Royal Navy’s capacity to swiftly develop and integrate new technologies into uncrewed platforms, a critical factor in maintaining an edge over adversaries.
The XV Excalibur submarine serves as a pioneering testbed for the UK’s adoption of autonomous technologies in underwater missions. According to Infleqtion, the Tiqker clock provides essential timing references for vital submarine systems, including sonar, fire control, and secure communications. These enhancements aim to improve overall mission effectiveness.
The trial substantiated Tiqker’s reliability and durability, as it maintained consistent performance through multiple dive cycles, confirming its suitability for rigorous naval operations. While further comparisons against precision time standards are anticipated, the initial trial has already showcased the promising potential of advanced quantum timing, even in challenging maritime conditions.
Ryan Hanley, General Manager of Infleqtion UK, noted that the integration of Tiqker into the Royal Navy’s Excalibur testbed submarine is setting a foundation for future fleets to navigate and operate with precision in any environment. He expressed gratitude for the ongoing partnership with the Royal Navy, underscoring the importance of these cutting-edge quantum technology trials in accelerating advancements in naval operations.
