Q-CTRL heads to Farnborough with quantum GPS backup
Q-CTRL says it will showcase the first airworthiness-qualified quantum navigation GPS backup at the Farnborough International Airshow in the U.K. The company says the system is ready for commercial aviation and UAV deployment as airlines and defense operators look for alternatives to vulnerable GPS signals.
Why it matters: - Q-CTRL says its Ironstone Opal system is designed as a GPS backup that cannot be jammed or spoofed. - The company says that matters as GPS interference disrupts operations in civilian aviation and creates risks in contested airspace. - Q-CTRL says the technology is now positioned for commercial aviation and unmanned aircraft use.
What happened: - Q-CTRL said on July 14, 2026, that it will be the only dedicated quantum technology company bringing quantum navigation solutions to the Farnborough International Airshow. - The company said Ironstone Opal is the first quantum navigation system to achieve safety-of-flight qualification under RTCA DO-160 airworthiness standards. - Q-CTRL said the system was first publicly revealed in April 2025. - Q-CTRL said Ironstone Opal was named one of TIME's Best Inventions of 2025.
The details: - Q-CTRL said the system has been field-validated in air, land and maritime trials. - The company said Ironstone Opal uses magnetic map matching powered by proprietary quantum sensors to provide bounded positioning. - Q-CTRL said the system has been validated in flight to meet RNP 0.3 requirements by maintaining positioning accuracy better than 0.3 nautical miles through 95% of a flight. - The system is ITAR-free for global deployment. - Q-CTRL said multiple compact form factors are available, including a new UAV variant weighing less than 1 kg. - The company said the sensors can be mounted in the vehicle body or on the wing of NATO class II+ surveillance UAVs. - Q-CTRL said the company is engaging with major commercial aircraft manufacturers, defense primes and defense-sector collaborators, including the U.S. Department of War. - The company said visitors can see a live demonstration at booth 720 in Hall 0 and preview the UAV-compatible system.
Between the lines: - The announcement signals a push to move quantum navigation from testing into aviation procurement and certification pathways. - Q-CTRL is framing GPS denial as a wider civilian issue, not just a military one, which broadens the market for backup navigation systems. - CEO and Founder Michael J. Biercuk said the timing is important because the economic impact of widespread GPS denial is estimated at £1 billion per day for the U.K.
What's next: - Q-CTRL plans to demonstrate Ironstone Opal at Farnborough International Airshow. - The company also plans to preview its new UAV-compatible system at the event. - Q-CTRL said it expects deployment across commercial aircraft and drones as operators seek resilient navigation backups.
The bottom line: - Q-CTRL is using Farnborough to position quantum navigation as a certified, deployable alternative when GPS fails.
Disclaimer: This article was produced by AGP Wire with the assistance of artificial intelligence based on original source content and has been refined to improve clarity, structure, and readability. This content is provided on an “as is” basis. While care has been taken in its preparation, it may contain inaccuracies or omissions, and readers should consult the original source and independently verify key information where appropriate. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, investment, or other professional advice.
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