AeroQGrav

Within the project AeroQGrav, a quantum gravimeter will be operated in an aircraft. Research will be conducted to improve both integral in-flight acceleration measurements - with the gravimeter and to determine the inertial motion. In this context, the technology of quantum gravimetry will be adapted for flight gravimetry, e.g. by mounting the sensor head on an inertial position-stabilized platform. Additionally, the reconstruction of the kinematic acceleration of the aircraft will be improved by GNSS supported by laser Doppler velocimetry as well as a terrestrial laser scanner. Finally, a precise data fusion of the different sensor systems used in the flight will enable to exploit the full advantage of the high accuracy of the quantum gravimeter.

The intended performance level of AeroQGrav is <1 µm/s² after 5 s of measurement, without an inherent phase shift as exhibited by conventional flight gravimeters. This 5 s results in a spatial resolution of 0.3 - 0.5 km for typical carrier aircraft. This performance will be verified by comparative measurements with other stationary gravimeters and on test flights.

The targeted improvement in measurement accuracy and spatial resolution, as well as the reduction in flight times, could lead to savings in fuel, environmental impact and operating costs and open up a significant market in Germany, the EU and worldwide.