Submarines cannot fully depend on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) for timing and navigation, making onboard high-precision clocks crucial in GPS-denied environments. Traditional microwave-based clocks accumulate drift, but Tiqker offers a local, stable “time heartbeat” to maintain accurate navigation over longer periods underwater.
“This experiment was a first critical step towards understanding how quantum clocks can be deployed on underwater platforms to enable precision navigation and timing (PNT) in support of prolonged operations,” said Commander Matthew Steele, Head of Futures in the Royal Navy’s Disruptive Capabilities and Technologies Office. “The DCTO looks forward to championing further trials of quantum-based navigation technologies, such as Tiqker, onboard Excalibur as we seek to deliver quantum operational advantage for the Royal Navy.”
Infleqtion is the first external partner selected for the XCal programme, reflecting the Royal Navy’s confidence in the company’s quantum expertise. The Excalibur (XCal) platform serves as a key testbed for advancing the UK’s autonomous underwater capabilities.
“By putting Tiqker directly on the Royal Navy’s Excalibur (XCal) testbed submarine, a next-generation autonomous platform, we are laying the foundation for fleets to navigate, coordinate, and operate with precision in any environment,” said Ryan Hanley, General Manager UK, Infleqtion. “We are grateful to the Royal Navy for their continued partnership on cutting-edge quantum technology trials accelerating adoption into naval operations.”
Tiqker’s integration offers additional benefits across submarine systems, supporting sonar, fire control, and secure communications through precise onboard timing. The system’s successful operation across multiple dives confirmed its durability for real-world naval deployment.
“Integrating a quantum clock onto XCal demonstrates how advanced timing can redefine what autonomous submarines are capable of,” said Matthew Troughton, Engineering Director, MSubs Ltd. “This trial points the way to platforms that can operate independently for longer durations, with the precision and reliability needed for future undersea missions.”
Infleqtion’s Tiqker system marks a significant step in deployable quantum timing and strengthens the UK’s role in advancing quantum defence technology. The trial aligns with Infleqtion’s broader mission, following its recent announcement of a planned merger with Churchill Capital Corp X
