In a first, the British Navy installs an atomic clock on an aircraft carrier
Leonard T. Koonce
2 min read
The British Royal Navy has installed an atomic clock on the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales in a historic first.
The size of a regular laptop, the quantum kit was integrated into the 280-meter (918-foot) warship before it sailed to Norway to take part in a military exercise in the Arctic this week.
The clock provides a highly accurate measure of time, allowing the carrier’s combat systems to synchronize if the Global Positioning System (GPS) is not functioning.
According to the Royal Navy, time signals play a crucial role for warships to gather accurate information while conducting operations at sea.
The introduction of quantum technology in atomic clocks provides reliable backup in environments without GPS.
In addition to the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, the atomic clock can be installed on other ships and offers a considerable reduction in size compared to other time signaling devices.
“A Game Changer”
Installing a state-of-the-art atomic clock on a British warship is part of the UK’s drive to become less dependent on GPS.
Lieutenant Colonel Scott Wallace claims the development is a “game changer” for the Royal Navy.
“Bringing together customers, industry and experts can accelerate sovereign technology for the benefit of the country,” he said. “Putting state-of-the-art quantum equipment on the front line is a game-changer for the UK.”
HMS Prince of Wales
One of the most powerful surface warships in the British Navy, the HMS Prince of Wales is almost the length of three football fields.
The ship carries a minimum of 700 crew members, increasing to around 1,600 with military aircraft on board. It can also carry up to 40 helicopters.
The ship is designed for long-duration missions at sea, as it is capable of storing a 45-day food supply.
The Prince of Wales supports a variety of missions including humanitarian aid, rescue operations, war and counter-terrorism.
