AeroVironment has launched a new variant of its Jump 20 vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft system (UAS), with the enhancement optimised for use from naval vessels.
Unveiled at the IDEX show in Abu Dhabi on 17 February, the Jump 20-X can perform intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare, or signals intelligence tasks.
With a 13.6kg (30lb) payload capacity, it can also be armed with what its developer describes as “customisable lethality options”.
Boasting a flight endurance of over 13h, the 97.5kg maximum take-off weight platform can deliver “persistent surveillance and strike capabilities far beyond the horizon”, the company says.
Meanwhile, the design’s heavy-fuel engine “enhances operational flexibility, simplifies refuelling logistics and ensures mission adaptability across diverse maritime and expeditionary environments”, it adds.
“Jump 20-X leverages AI-powered autonomy to ensure precise take-off and landing – even on fast-moving ships in rough seas or under extreme conditions, day or night,” the company says.
Shane Hastings, AeroVironment’s general manager, medium uncrewed aircraft systems, describes the embarked type as “a force multiplier that delivers the unmatched versatility, efficiency and reliability [that] modern operators demand”.
In an interview with FlightGlobal ahead of the product launch, Hastings said the development of the new Jump 20-X was spurred by the US Marine Corps’ 2022 decision to retire the catapult-launched Insitu RQ-21 Blackjack. He notes the most significant change from the original Jump 20 design is the use of the heavy fuel engine, which will enable the new UAV to fly using the US Navy’s standard JP-8 jet fuel.
The older Jump 20 is powered by a four-stroke engine that burns gasoline, which Hastings says would create a fire hazard aboard a ship.
Other new additions to the Jump 20-X include a wide area search radar, electro-optical/infrared passive detection system and an automatic identification system ship transponder for maritime operations.
Notably, the revamped design does not make any changes to the Jump 20 outer mold line, including the same wings and VTOL configuration.
Meanwhile, AeroVironment on 10 February announced that its Arcturus UAV subsidiary has been awarded a contract to support the Danish military using the baseline Jump 20 platform.
Worth up to $181 million over 10 years, the deal “will equip the Danish army with Jump 20 systems to enhance ISR operations”, the company says.
AeroVironment notes that the Jump 20 system has a “combat-proven track record and over 300,000 operational flight hours”.
Additional reporting by Ryan Finnerty
