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Defense
New possibilities in quantum-enhanced C4ISR to change the future
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Launch and deploy real-world quantum solutions
The defense and aerospace industries require advanced computing, navigation, and surveillance technologies to maintain an advantage on the battlefield. Quantum technology can deliver a strategic edge to every aspect of modern defense, now and into the future.
Q-CTRL is the global leader in delivering real-world outcomes to transform defense missions.
Solutions for ISR
Turn situational awareness into strategic advantage
Quantum sensing is rapidly becoming a mission-critical technology for surveillance and reconnaissance, enabling capabilities far beyond the limits of classical systems. With quantum sensors you can navigate without GPS, detect underground hardened structures, submarines, or hidden weapons systems, and survey the entire earth.
Our solutions actively advance a broad range of defense applications, empowering mission success in the most challenging operational domains.
And we’ve achieved what no one else has before. We have unlocked true quantum advantage in GPS-denied environments—delivering the first real-world benefits from quantum sensing.
Contact us about dark drone detection, magnetic anomaly detection and mapping, and underground target detection.
Gain a validated quantum advantage in real fielded environments with the Q-CTRL difference
50X
Quantum Advantage over classical INS
< 0.03%
Uncertainty of distance travelled over hours of flight
20X
enhanced resilience on moving platforms
Solutions for advanced computing
Outmaneuver the competition with a quantum computing advantage
Advanced computing technology is essential to maintaining a battlefield advantage.
Quantum computing promises revolutionary capabilities across the defense sector, with the power to crack encrypted messages, solve critical materials-science problems, or unlock the key to ultra-high-performance aviation fuels.
We deliver the most advanced quantum infrastructure software and edtech tools to make quantum computing useful for the defense sector.
We have proven defense use cases like contested Army logistics, optimized manufacturing supply chains for defense technology, and dramatically improved the performance and utility of quantum computers so anyone can gain true strategic advantages in the real world.
Case studies
Real-world use cases
Frequently asked questions
How is quantum computing relevant to defense?
Q-CTRL has demonstrated that quantum computing can deliver on defense use cases like contested Army logistics, and optimized manufacturing supply chains for defense technology. A wide variety of other applications in materials science, chemistry, and machine learning are being explored and can be enabled by Q-CTRL’s performance management infrastructure software, Fire Opal.
Does Q-CTRL sell hardware systems?
Q-CTRL produces infrastructure software for quantum computing and full-stack quantum-assured navigation systems including its own quantum sensing hardware. Q-CTRL does not sell sensor components, but the Ironstone Opal quantum-assured navigation system is now available for presale. Contact the Q-CTRL team for further details.
What validation of quantum technology’s relevance is there for defense applications?
Q-CTRL is the first and only company in the world to deliver field validation of quantum sensing technology for navigation. This includes real field trials on airborne, ground-based, and maritime platforms. Contact the Q-CTRL team for further details.
Can I test Q-CTRL technology on my platform?
Q-CTRL is currently engaging select partners for additional field trails and system-integration demonstrations. Please contact the Q-CTRL team for further details.
What are the benefits of quantum navigation?
The quantum navigation systems built by Q-CTRL cannot be jammed or spoofed by an adversary. They function in any weather or visibility conditions and are completely passive, ensuring stealthy operations. Overall quantum navigation provides a robust backup when GPS is untrusted or unavailable, and is a complement to other navigation solutions.
How does quantum navigation work?
Q-CTRL builds several complementary technologies based on trapped atoms. These atoms respond to external magnetic and gravitational fields as well as accelerations, and these tiny responses can be measured with laser beams. Because the response comes from the properties of the atoms, the hardware doesn't require any calibration and is very stable over long periods. With those measured signals, a navigation computer can either compare readings to a local map (map matching) or calculate position and velocity from measured accelerations (inertial navigation).
What is quantum sensing?
Quantum sensing leverages quantum mechanics to achieve unprecedented precision and sensitivity in measuring physical quantities like magnetic fields or acceleration. Unlike classical sensing techniques, quantum sensing exploits the unique properties of atoms to provide enhanced performance in a wide variety of sensing applications.
What are the quantum sensing applications for positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT)?
Quantum sensors are used for precise detection of geophysical and vehicle signals needed to navigate without any connection to GPS. Current and future applications include aerospace, maritime and autonomous vehicles such as uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and autonomous underwater vehicles. Q-CTRL’s activities incorporate quantum inertial sensing, magnetometry, and gravimetry.
How do I integrate these sensors into existing platforms?
Our team has extensive experience incorporating quantum sensors into new and existing platforms. Get in touch to discuss how this capability fits into your development plans.
Why do I need quantum sensors?
Quantum sensors operate differently from conventional sensors, making them:
- More reliable
- Less vulnerable to signal jamming
- Less affected by electromagnetic interference
This gives quantum sensors an advantage over current sound and light based sensors, which are increasingly susceptible to interference issues.
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Quantum solutions for defense
