Leidos Holdings Develops Magnetic Navigation Technology to Address GPS Vulnerabilities
- Leidos Holdings is developing magnetic navigation technology to enhance military navigation and counter GPS vulnerabilities.
- The MagNav system utilizes quantum magnetometers for improved accuracy in military applications, reducing reliance on GPS signals.
- With 48,000 employees and projected revenues of $16.7 billion, Leidos focuses on advancing technology for national security.
Leidos Unveils Innovative Magnetic Navigation Technology to Combat GPS Vulnerability
Leidos Holdings, a key player in technology and defense based in Reston, Virginia, is taking significant steps to enhance military navigation capabilities by tackling the vulnerabilities associated with the Global Positioning System (GPS). The company has secured a contract with the Defense Innovation Unit to develop a groundbreaking navigation system, known as magnetic navigation (MagNav). This initiative is particularly pertinent given the increasing frequency of GPS jamming incidents, which pose significant risks to military operations. By employing variations in the Earth's magnetic field and exploiting the quantum properties of nitrogen in diamonds, MagNav aims to provide a reliable alternative to traditional GPS systems.
Aaron Canciani, who manages the Leidos Transition of Quantum Sensing team and has a background as an Air Force scientist, articulates the advantages of MagNav. Unlike conventional navigation systems that depend on signals susceptible to interference, MagNav employs a highly sensitive quantum magnetometer. This advanced sensor is being developed in collaboration with Frequency Electronics, Inc. and MIT Lincoln Lab, promising to significantly enhance the accuracy of magnetic field measurements. Canciani points out that the innovation lies in the capability of quantum measurements to maintain a direct correlation to magnetic fields through fundamental physical constants, which drastically reduces the drift commonly seen in traditional magnetometers. This precision is crucial in military applications where reliable navigation is paramount.
Leidos is poised to conduct rigorous testing of the MagNav system in conjunction with the new magnetometer technology. The potential success of this initiative could not only bolster military navigation but also set a precedent for future applications of quantum sensing in various sectors. With a workforce of 48,000 employees and projected annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion by the fiscal year ending January 3, 2025, Leidos is committed to advancing its technological capabilities. The company continues to seek innovations in quantum sensing and cybersecurity, reinforcing its mission to deliver smarter solutions for both government and commercial clients.
In addition to the MagNav initiative, Leidos remains aware of the inherent risks and uncertainties associated with its forward-looking statements, as conveyed in their recent announcements. The company's proactive approach in addressing military vulnerabilities through advanced navigation technologies exemplifies its commitment to enhancing national security and operational effectiveness. For further information about Leidos and its projects, interested parties can visit the company's official website at www.Leidos.com.