DARPA Selects BAE Systems to Advance Quantum Technology for Military Antennas

Rhea-AI Summary

BAE Systems has secured multiple development contracts from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) aimed at advancing quantum technology for military applications, specifically in radio frequency (RF) sensing. The total value of these contracts is $6.5 million. These agreements will facilitate the development of quantum sensing technology that could significantly reduce antenna size and enhance sensitivity and bandwidth. BAE Systems' FAST Labs will conduct the majority of the work in Merrimack, NH.

Positive

• Awarded contracts total $6.5 million.
• Contracts focus on revolutionary quantum technology for military antennas.
• Potential to reduce antenna size and increase sensitivity significantly.

Negative

• None.

MERRIMACK, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BAE Systems has been awarded multiple development contracts from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to advance quantum technology and revolutionize radio frequency (RF) sensing by breaking constraints to antenna designs that have persisted for more than a century. Leveraging quantum sensing can reduce size, and increase sensitivity and accessible bandwidth by several orders of magnitude.

BAE Systems has been awarded multiple development contracts to advance quantum technology. (Photo: BAE Systems)

“While still in the early development phase, quantum sensing relies on fundamentally different physics than conventional antennas. This may allow us to circumvent traditional aperture design limits for sensitivity and size,” said Julia MacDonough, product line director at BAE Systems. “As a result of these programs, BAE Systems’ FAST Labs will be at the forefront of quantum sensing to support the warfighter.”

A quantum approach to aperture development decouples the size of the antenna from the wavelength of the incoming signal. This can reduce the size and number of antennas on Department of Defense platforms.

Awarded earlier this year, the three quantum aperture-related contracts, which total $6.5 million, include work as a prime contractor on Quantum Apertures Technical Area 2 and teaming with ColdQuanta in both Technical Area 1 of Quantum Apertures and the Science of Atomic Vapors for New Technologies (SAVaNT) program.

BAE Systems’ FAST Labs^TM research and development organization will perform work on the program at its facility in Merrimack.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211117005050/en/

Paul Roberts, BAE Systems

Mobile: 603-521-2381

paul.a.roberts@baesystems.com

www.baesystems.com/US

@BAESystemsInc

Source: BAE Systems

FAQ

What contracts has BAE Systems received from DARPA in 2023?

BAE Systems has received multiple development contracts from DARPA totaling $6.5 million to advance quantum technology.

How does quantum technology impact BAE Systems' antenna designs?

Quantum technology allows BAE Systems to potentially reduce the size of antennas and improve sensitivity and bandwidth.

Where will BAE Systems perform the work related to the DARPA contracts?

The work will be performed at BAE Systems' FAST Labs facility in Merrimack, NH.

What is the significance of the $6.5 million DARPA contracts for BAE Systems?

The contracts represent a strategic advancement in quantum RF sensing technology, enhancing BAE Systems' capabilities in military applications.