CPI TMD's HARLEQUIN Quantum Navigation System Premieres Successfully at Sea

Navigating the Future: Quantum Navigation on the Open Seas

In a groundbreaking development for maritime technology, CPI TMD Technologies Division has successfully conducted sea trials of its HARLEQUIN quantum-hybrid inertial navigation system (INS) aboard the operational vessel THV Galatea. This historic event highlights the system's capability to function effectively even without the consistent support of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) such as GPS.

The Importance of Resilience in Navigation

Recent research suggests that a 24-hour GNSS outage could cost the UK economy up to £1.4 billion due to its cascading effects on logistics and critical infrastructure. With such implications, there is a pressing need for GNSS-independent navigation systems that can withstand interruptions in satellite signals.

CPI TMD is at the forefront of this technological evolution, proving that quantum sensors can effectively operate in the demanding conditions of the sea. This innovation holds promise not just for military applications but also for commercial and maritime sectors, offering a reliable alternative to conventional navigation methods that are increasingly vulnerable.

HARLEQUIN: A Hybrid Approach to Navigation

The HARLEQUIN system represents a sophisticated fusion of quantum and classical technologies. Developed in collaboration with various partners including the University of Strathclyde and the Imperial College London, the system incorporates advanced classical INS components—a precise clock, a ring laser gyroscope, and a MEMS accelerometer—combined with CPI TMD’s state-of-the-art quantum accelerometer.

The quantum accelerometer utilizes a grating-based magneto-optical trap (gMOT) that facilitates ultra-cold atom sources, resulting in a highly portable quantum sensor. This hybrid approach significantly reduces the drift in position estimates over time, which is a common drawback of traditional INS technologies. By routinely adjusting for these drifts, the HARLEQUIN system can extend the duration for which a vessel can maintain precise positioning even when GNSS signals are unavailable.

Real-World Testing Under Operational Conditions

The recent trials aboard THV Galatea, a vessel not meant for scientific testing but instead for maintaining critical maritime infrastructure, underscore the HARLEQUIN system's viability in real-world environments. Conducting the trials within the constraints of the vessel's operational timetable added difficulty, yet also demonstrated the system's adaptability to standard maritime operations.

Dr. Edward Boughton, Head of Applied Science at CPI EDB, emphasizes the significance of this sea trial: “This is a clear indication that our quantum inertial technology is shifting from research to practical capability. We are excited about advancing its implementation.”

The collaboration between CPI TMD and various academic institutions highlights the collective efforts required to bring innovative technologies to operational readiness, an essential step in rethinking how navigation systems can function unfettered by traditional satellite dependency.

The Future of Quantum Navigation

The move towards quantum-enabled navigation solutions is timely, particularly as GNSS signals become more susceptible to jamming and cannot penetrate certain environments such as underwater or heavily constructed urban areas. By developing systems like HARLEQUIN, CPI TMD is paving a path towards robust and resilient navigation capabilities that can serve various industries.

Next, the data collected during the trials will drive upgrades to the HARLEQUIN system, aiming for improved performance and long-term suitability for maritime operations. A second trial is scheduled for late 2026 to validate these enhancements, furthering the system's readiness for practical deployment.

This pioneering step is crucial not only for CPI TMD but also for the future of navigation technology in an increasingly complex operational landscape. As the industry moves toward more resilient systems, the lessons learned from these trials will be invaluable, setting the stage for next-generation navigation solutions that promise reliability in some of the most challenging environments.