A quantum sensor-based magnetic anomaly navigation system gathers data on a C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft during a flight over Charleston, South Carolina, Feb. 22, 2024. SandboxAQ’s concept relies on quantum sensors that detect the Earth’s magnetic field for navigation in the event that the Global Positioning System is jammed or rendered ineffective. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ashley N. Mikaio)
Defense officials see quantum sensors as promising capabilities for alternative positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR).
Dec 30, 2024
By
Jon Harper
Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall flies in the X-62 VISTA in the skies above Edwards Air Force Base, California, May 2, 2024. (Air Force photo by Richard Gonzales)
Photo from DARPA ReSource demo. (Kaden Staley, Michigan Technological University. August 7, 2024)
DARPA Director Stefanie Tompkins (left) speaks at NATO to the Future in July 2024. (Photo by Brandi Vincent.
Manta Ray vehicle being towed in preparation for testing. (Northrop Grumman photo)
The X-62 VISTA flies in the skies over Edwards Air Force Base, California, March 23, 2023. (Air Force photo by Ethan Wagner)
A U.S. Marine holds a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Information Innovation Office challenge coin after being presented the coin on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec 1, 2022. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Christopher R. Lape)
Light of diamond, abstract background. (BlackJack3D via Getty Images)
A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A Lightning II, assigned to the No. 3 Squadron, arrives to receive fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-46A Pegasus from the 13th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron over Australia during Talisman Sabre 23, July 26, 2023. Talisman Sabre is the U.S.’s largest bilateral exercise in Australia that demonstrates the capability to rapidly deploy and operate to accomplish a wide range of missions alongside joint and allied partners in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Eric Summers Jr.)
A Skydio X2d quadcopter drone is flown by Airmen on March 8, 2023, at the Belle Clair Soccer Park in Belleville, Illinois. The drone was used during the first class of Detachment X program initiated on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Madeline Baisey)