The Royal Navy has embarked on a significant trial involving quantum technology developed by a startup from Southampton.
- This trial focuses on ‘cold atom’ technology for covert maritime monitoring.
- Conducted aboard HMS Pursuer, the trial is a collaboration with Aquark and the Royal Navy’s Chief Technology Officer.
- Quantum technology offers promising solutions for navigating in GPS-compromised conditions, crucial for national security.
- The initiative aims to accelerate the development and deployment of quantum capabilities within the Royal Navy.
The Royal Navy is exploring the use of cutting-edge quantum technology developed by Aquark, a Southampton-based startup. The trial was conducted aboard HMS Pursuer and focused on ‘cold atom’ technology, which has potential applications in covert monitoring at sea. Such technology represents a significant advancement in maritime surveillance efforts.
Aquark has made strides in cold atom research, particularly through the development of a cold atom clock. This device precisely measures time by cooling atoms to temperatures near absolute zero. Aquark reported successful continuous capture of cold atoms throughout the trial, highlighting the robustness of their technology under various conditions at sea.
Co-founder and CEO of Aquark, Andrei Dragomir, noted the successful sea trials mark a meaningful milestone for the company. ‘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,’ he stated.
The trial included a range of operating states, maneuvers, and key ship locations, demonstrating the adaptability of quantum technologies. The Royal Navy has expressed interest in exploring non-GPS-based Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) capabilities, which could maintain strategic advantages in compromised environments.
Commander Matthew Steele from the Royal Navy’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer revealed ambitions to fast-track quantum advancements over the next three years. Through ongoing funding and trials, the Royal Navy aims to enhance its operational capabilities with technologies developed by startups like Aquark.
In support of these efforts, Aquark secured a £3.4 million contract from Innovate UK. This funding is intended for the further development of their high-performance cold atom clock, underscoring the potential national applications of such technology.
The Royal Navy’s trial of Aquark’s quantum technology marks a promising step towards advanced maritime security solutions.
