For the first time a underwater drone unmanned he navigated relying not on external satellite signals but on a internal atomic clockcapable of keeping time with a precision comparable to that of the best metrology laboratories. The experimentation involves the Royal Navythe British company MSubs And Inflectiona company working on quantum technologies based on neutral atoms. The tested system is a compact optical atomic clock called Tiqkerdesigned to be used on the operational vehicle and to provide extremely stable timing, useful in all those situations in which GPS is not available or is compromised. Since submarines, especially those that must maintain stealth, cannot rely on signals from satellites for long, having an independent and ultra-accurate time reference on board for the exact time improves navigation, the security of on-board systems and coordination with other units.
The experiment took place on Excalibur extra-large autonomous underwater vehicle (XCal), Royal Navy experimental platform. The success of the test was described by Matthew SteeleFutures manager at the Disruptive Capabilities and Technologies Office of the Royal Navy, as a «first critical step towards understanding how quantum clocks can be used on underwater platforms to enable precision navigation and timing (PNT) to support sustained operations».
How the Tiqker atomic clock works
The experiment, considered a “first operational deployment” of this type of technology, has seen Tiqker installed directly on XCala submarine that serves as a testbed for the Royal Navy as part of the development of extra-large autonomous underwater vehicles. Optical atomic clocks like Tiqker base their operation on the behavior of neutral atoms cooled and manipulated by lasers, so as to generate an extremely stable frequency. This precision is fundamental in all those contexts in which the position is calculated by exploiting the integration of speed and direction over time. If the temporal “beat” alters, even very slightly, the navigation error grows to the point of making the estimated position imprecise.
In conventional submarines, or even in other vessels that operate without constant contact with satellites, the on-board instruments resort to microwave clockswhich while accurate tend to show some drift over time. This drift, i.e. the accumulation of small errors, becomes particularly critical when it is not possible to receive updates from the satellite positioning system or GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). In an underwater environment, where emerging can mean revealing one’s presence, a totally autonomous time reference that is highly resistant to disturbances represents a significant operational advantage. Tiqker provides just that: a constant signal that allows other on-board instruments – such as sonars, motion control systems, encrypted communications equipment or ballistic computers – to rely on a stable measurement of time. In other words, the accuracy of the atomic clock directly reflects on its ability to understand location, plan safe routes, and coordinate by other means without making itself traceable.
Not a finish line, but a great starting point
Even if the test it should not be interpreted as a goal achievedbut as a excellent starting pointwhat happened in the tests is noteworthy. That’s why Matthew Troughtontechnical director of MSubs, expressed some enthusiasm with these words:
The integration of a quantum clock on XCal demonstrates how advanced synchronization can redefine the capabilities of autonomous submarines. This testing paves the way for platforms capable of operating independently for longer periods, with the precision and reliability needed for future undersea missions.
Ryan HanleyUK general manager of Infleqtion, expressed satisfaction with the success of the operation and declared:
By installing Tiqker directly on the Royal Navy’s Excalibur (XCal) submarine, a next-generation autonomous platform, we are laying the foundations for fleets to navigate, coordinate and operate with precision in any environment.
