Airbus’ Acubed and Google spinout SandboxAQ are collaborating on a quantum-sensing navigation system, MagNav, as a potential alternative to vulnerable GPS technology. Recent flight tests, encompassing over 150 hours across the continental U.S., demonstrated MagNav’s ability to pinpoint location within 2 nautical miles – meeting Federal Aviation Administration requirements – and achieve accuracy within 550 meters 64% of the time. The system utilises quantum physics to measure unique magnetic signatures within the Earth’s crust, and analysts project the broader quantum-sensing market could reach $1 billion to $6 billion by 2040.
Quantum Navigation Emerges
Airbus’ Silicon Valley innovation centre, Acubed, is collaborating with Google spinout SandboxAQ on a novel aircraft navigation solution utilising the Earth’s magnetic field. The technology, known as quantum sensing, has been under development for decades and is now approaching commercial viability in aerospace.
SandboxAQ’s MagNav device measures unique magnetic signatures within the Earth’s crust, matching these to precise locations via an AI algorithm. Testing conducted by Acubed involved over 150 hours of flight time across the continental U.S., demonstrating the potential of the system as a GPS alternative.
The core principle involves a laser firing a photon at an electron, which then releases the photon with a unique signature determined by the local strength of the Earth’s magnetic field. Every square meter possesses a distinct magnetic signature due to the composition of charged iron particles in the Earth’s core and their effect on crustal minerals. MagNav tracks this signature, compares it to existing magnetic maps using a single GPU-powered AI, and determines the aircraft’s location.
During testing, MagNav consistently pinpointed location within 2 nautical miles – the Federal Aviation Administration’s required accuracy – and achieved accuracy within 550 meters (approximately 0.31 nautical miles) 64% of the time. The development represents, according to SandboxAQ CEO Jack Hidary, the first novel absolute navigation system in 50 years.
While not intended to entirely replace GPS, quantum sensing could serve as a robust backup and provide pilots with confirmation of potential GPS spoofing. The technology’s analog nature makes it inherently resistant to jamming and spoofing, unlike digital GPS signals, suggesting potential for resilient quantum navigation systems.
Potential applications extend beyond aerospace, with defence applications including submarine and tunnel detection. In healthcare, it could enable non-invasive diagnosis of neurological and cardiac conditions by detecting faint magnetic signals from the brain and heart. Analysts estimate the quantum-sensing market could reach $1 billion to $6 billion by 2040.
Magnetic Signatures as a Location System
The system’s ability to pinpoint location within 2 nautical miles meets the Federal Aviation Administration’s required accuracy standards. During testing, MagNav achieved accuracy within 550 meters – approximately 0.31 nautical miles – in 64% of instances.
Beyond aerospace, potential applications of the technology include detecting submarines and tunnels within the defence sector. In healthcare, it could facilitate non-invasive diagnosis of neurological and cardiac conditions through the detection of faint magnetic signals. Market analysts project the quantum-sensing market could reach a value of $1 billion to $6 billion by 2040.
Beyond Aerospace Potential
The development of quantum sensing extends beyond aerospace applications. Within the defence sector, the technology could be utilised for the detection of submarines and tunnels. In healthcare, it could enable non-invasive diagnosis of neurological and cardiac conditions by detecting faint magnetic signals from the brain and heart.
Analysts estimate the quantum-sensing market could reach $1 billion to $6 billion by 2040.
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