The UK Royal Navy has installed an atomic clock on the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier in a historic first.
About the size of an ordinary laptop, the quantum kit was integrated into the 280-meter (918 feet) warship before it sails for Norway to participate in an Arctic military drill this week.
The clock provides highly-accurate time measurement, allowing the carrier’s combat systems to synchronize if the global positioning system (GPS) is not working.
According to the Royal Navy, time signals play a crucial role for warships to collect precise information while conducting operations at sea.
The introduction of quantum technology in atomic clocks provides a reliable backup in GPS-denied environments.
In addition to the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier, the atomic clock can be installed on other ships and provide a considerable reduction in size compared to other time-signaling devices.
‘A Game-Changer’
The installation of a cutting-edge atomic clock on a British warship is part of the UK’s push to become less reliant on GPS.
Lieutenant Colonel Scott Wallace claims that the development is a “game-changer” for the Royal Navy.
“Bringing customers, industry, and experts together can accelerate sovereign technology for the benefit of the country,” he said. “Putting leading-edge quantum equipment into the front line is a game changer for the UK.”
The HMS Prince of Wales
One of the most powerful surface warships in the British Navy, the HMS Prince of Wales is nearly the length of three football pitches.
The ship carries a minimum of 700 crew, increasing to around 1,600 with military aircraft aboard. It can also carry up to 40 helicopters.
The vessel is designed for long-duration missions at sea, as it is able to store a 45-day supply of food.
The Prince of Wales supports various missions, including humanitarian relief, rescue operations, warfighting, and counter-terrorism.
