Northrop Grumman tests quantum navigation on Lumberjack drone

Northrop Grumman and SandboxAQ have conducted the first flight test of a quantum-based navigation system aboard the Lumberjack drone. The sensors detect minute changes in Earth's magnetic field, allowing navigation without GPS. According to the manufacturer, the system performed reliably even under jamming and over open water. Lumberjack is designed as an expendable attack drone and is equipped with electronic warfare, data links, reconnaissance technology, and precision strike capabilities. The platform was developed to first flight in under 14 months. The recent test also incorporated AI technology and SandboxAQ's magnetic navigation system.