QUASAN investigates how quantum sensors can be integrated on board aircraft and how they affect navigational performance and the air transport system. Current air traffic management and flight guidance rely on accurate motion and environmental state estimation, using inertial and air data sensors often supported by global navigation satellite systems. These systems are vulnerable to radio frequency interference and environmental effects such as icing.
Quantum sensors offer the potential to increase accuracy, autonomy and resilience by exploiting quantum phenomena to measure motion, gravity and magnetic fields with exceptional sensitivity. QUASAN assesses the suitability of different quantum sensor technologies for aviation navigation and evaluates their impact on trajectory-based operations. The project develops an integration roadmap, supporting the gradual adoption of quantum sensing technologies within future air traffic management systems.