Lockheed Martin and Rigetti Computing Explore Quantum-Enhanced Logistics for Defense and Aerospace Supply Chains

Aerospace Turns to Quantum for Logistics Complexity

Quantum computing took a strategic turn in March 2018 when Lockheed Martin, one of the world’s largest aerospace and defense contractors, publicly reaffirmed its investments in quantum technologies, particularly in partnership with California-based Rigetti Computing. While much of the public focus had been on secure communications and cryptography, Lockheed Martin highlighted logistics optimization as a core area of interest.

With sprawling supply chains, mission-critical timelines, and a high cost of failure, the aerospace and defense industry represents a prime candidate for leveraging quantum systems. Lockheed’s evolving collaboration with Rigetti centered on tackling supply chain reconfiguration, predictive fleet maintenance, and autonomous resupply routing, particularly for forward-deployed environments or constrained missions.

From Qubits to Jet Parts: Why Aerospace Needs Quantum Optimization

Managing logistics in aerospace is far more complex than traditional retail or freight operations. Components often involve:

• Tens of thousands of parts

• Stringent regulatory compliance

• Expensive, slow-moving inventory

• Rapid changes in mission priorities

In March 2018, Lockheed began applying quantum variational algorithms running on Rigetti’s early 8-qubit superconducting processors to simulate scheduling, routing, and inventory allocation problems. The key objective: determine whether quantum approaches could outperform traditional methods like mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) and heuristic search in time-constrained environments.

Initial simulations focused on:

• Supply chain survivability scenarios under component failures or transport bottlenecks

• Fuel routing for UAVs with multi-variable constraints

• Dynamic resupply prioritization for aerospace maintenance depots

These problems, while small in size by enterprise standards, were computationally intractable for traditional systems at real-time speeds—making them ideal use cases for early-stage quantum hardware.

Rigetti’s Hybrid Quantum-Classical Architecture

Rigetti’s value to Lockheed came not just from hardware but from its hybrid architecture that allowed quantum processors to work alongside classical AI and optimization layers. Its cloud platform, Forest, enabled simulations and program execution through classical preprocessing and quantum post-processing—essentially bridging today’s computers with the quantum systems of tomorrow.

In March 2018, Rigetti’s quantum cloud access was extended to enterprise R&D teams. Lockheed engineers began using Forest to simulate quantum approximate optimization algorithms (QAOA) for logistics decision trees with dozens of binary constraints, such as:

• Allocating spare parts across multiple facilities

• Optimizing drone deployment under weight and battery limits

• Prioritizing satellite resupply payloads for launches with changing weather conditions

Logistics Use Cases Targeted by Lockheed

Within Lockheed Martin, the quantum logistics initiative was spearheaded by its Advanced Technology Laboratories (ATL) and Skunk Works®, both of which had mandates for long-range R&D and rapid prototyping of next-gen defense technologies.

The following operational areas were identified for quantum exploration:

1. Fleet Maintenance and Part Forecasting

Lockheed sought to model degradation probabilities across thousands of aircraft components, factoring usage, climate exposure, and historical failure rates. Quantum machine learning models were evaluated for predictive maintenance schedules, aimed at reducing unscheduled downtime across F-35 and C-130 fleets.

2. Secure Resupply Chain Routing

Quantum optimization was used to trial routing protocols for secure and stealthy resupply of ground units using UAVs. The problem combined:

• Vehicle constraints (range, payload, terrain)

• Timing constraints (drop windows)

• Risk factors (visibility, countermeasures)

Lockheed hoped quantum algorithms would offer faster and more globally optimal route planning than classical solvers.

3. Satellite Component Coordination

With dozens of satellite programs in development, Lockheed was juggling long-lead component logistics across suppliers in Europe, Asia, and North America. Quantum-enhanced scheduling simulations helped plan optimal delivery timelines across air and sea freight, especially under shifting program schedules or customs constraints.

Government and Commercial Alignment

This move was not without federal encouragement. The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and DARPA had been expanding interest in quantum computing for defense applications since 2016. Lockheed had previously been involved in D-Wave quantum testing under government contracts but began leaning toward gate-model systems like Rigetti’s for more flexible logistics algorithms.

Lockheed’s position allowed it to:

• Serve as a testbed for the National Quantum Initiative Act, which was in its pre-legislation phase in March 2018.

• Help guide industrial standards and API expectations for aerospace logistics systems involving quantum computation.

• Explore dual-use cases for civilian and military aerospace markets.

Market Implications: Aerospace as Quantum’s Next Growth Frontier

This 2018 development marked a clear shift in industry sentiment: quantum computing was no longer just a long-term curiosity—it was becoming strategically relevant for near-term logistics advantage, especially in sectors where every second, and every part, matters.

Rigetti’s involvement also signaled growing confidence among quantum startups to engage with enterprise-scale use cases. While Lockheed’s partnership was largely confidential, executives speaking at the Quantum Tech Conference in Boston on March 22, 2018, confirmed the aerospace sector as a "near-term quantum priority."

Other defense-adjacent firms like Raytheon, BAE Systems, and Airbus were also rumored to be exploring similar pilot initiatives, with many attending the event as observers or sponsors.

Early Results and Next Steps

While still in the proof-of-concept stage in March 2018, Lockheed reported that quantum-augmented routing and scheduling models showed improvement in:

• Solution optimality (better overall plans)

• Runtime under constraints (faster decision support)

• Multi-objective tradeoffs (e.g., cost vs. stealth vs. time)

The company began formalizing a roadmap for quantum integration, with planned milestones through 2022 focused on:

• Embedding quantum solvers in legacy logistics systems

• Expanding qubit model sizes as Rigetti scaled up to 32-qubit and 128-qubit chips

• Collaborating with other U.S. industrial partners through a shared logistics consortium

Conclusion: When Mission-Critical Logistics Go Quantum

Lockheed Martin’s 2018 partnership with Rigetti marked a pivotal moment in the industrial application of quantum computing. Far from theoretical research, this collaboration explored how quantum advantage could drive real-world efficiency, resilience, and predictability in aerospace and defense logistics.

In an industry where a delayed part can ground a multimillion-dollar aircraft—and where secure, reliable logistics are a national security priority—the potential impact of quantum optimization cannot be overstated.

By forging ahead with early hardware, hybrid architectures, and practical logistics use cases, Lockheed set a precedent for how large, complex enterprises might begin building quantum logistics capability today—not just in anticipation of the future, but in preparation for mission success tomorrow.