Quantum compass takes flight on Northrop's Lumberjack drone

Northrop Grumman and SandboxAQ conducted flight tests of AQNav quantum navigation on the Lumberjack drone. The system uses an optically pumped magnetometer to measure variations in Earth's magnetic field and determine position without GPS, operating at room temperature.

• AQNav measures the magnetic field to 10⁻¹⁵ T
• The system cannot be jammed or spoofed as it is passive
• Lumberjack drone weighs 36 kg, max takeoff weight 131 kg
• Platform cost estimated at $75–100 thousand per unit