IDEX 2025 was the official launch of the JUMP 20-X, a navalized version of AeroVironment’s Jump 20 vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial system (UAS) solution
The Californian-based company unveiled for the first time the naval version of their JUMP 20 VTOL fixed-wing UAS already in service in different Armies including the Danish Army, U.S. Army and other American institutions. The main difference is placed in the addition of an advanced heavy-fuel engine capable of running on multiple fuel types enhancing operational flexibility and said to simplify refueling logistics, and ensures mission adaptability across diverse maritime and expeditionary environments.
Multi-mission thanks to its modular sensors configuration, the JUMP 20-X can host up to 13.6Kg of payload allowing to fit different equipment sets. The company made the JUMP 20-X with an open-architecture and radio-agnostic in order to adapt to customers specifications and requirements. It can accommodate for example electro-optical, IR, anti-jam, radar sensors as well as light ammunition. Its purpose can serve different type of missions such as Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) & Wide-Area Surveillance (WAS), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), Electronic Warfare (EW), and strike capabilities with customizable lethality options.
With a 5.7 meters wingspan and a 3m length, AeroVironment offers a medium platform which can land on any helicopter pads autonomously. For take-off and landing, the UAS uses an AI-type to get precision even during high seas and adapt to the moves of the ship. Its size allows it to bring enough fuel to go beyond the horizon, up to a 185km range and to keep a signal with the piloting center thanks to satellite communications. The UAS has cruise speed of 50 knots and an autonomy up to 13 hours depending on the payload configuration, environment and weather conditions.
The company has also implemented their own computer vision technology called SPOTR-Edge™ enabling automated object detection and classification. It can then identify hostile threats and track moving maritime and aerial assets.
To have a small footprint in terms of space, the JUMP 20-X can be completely dismantled and packed up in a hangar to save some space as much as possible.
AeroVirnoment representative said that trials occurred all along 2023 and 2024 including with autonomous landing. The system is now operational. Demos already took place with different prospects and also with the U.S. Navy. The company also participated to REPMUS NATO exercise back in September 2024 deploying one of their JUMP 20-X aboard a Dutch boat with “rough” conditions, sea reaching state level 5 and winds over 20 knots.
