IDEX 2025: Jump 20-X marks the spot for AeroVironment

Unlike the Jump 20, which is powered by a 190cc EFI engine that uses MOGAS fuel, the Jump 20-X features a heavy fuel engine that is capable of operating on multiple fuel types. It gives the UAV a 13-hour endurance and the ability to carry a 30-pound payload.

This propulsion system also offers simplified fuel logistics and more flexibility and safety due to the absence of some highly flammable fuels, which is partially a problem for maritime vessels.

AeroVironment told Shephard that the updated engine and the platform’s MOSA credentials mean it is easy to maintain, which will extend the life of the aircraft.

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This modularity extends to the payloads. A wide range of first and third-party payloads can be installed on the payload-agnostic platform, including ISR, SAR, wide-area surveillance (WAS), SIGINT, EW, communication relays and strike options.

The new system is also fitted with AV’s SPOTR-Edge technology, which enables automated object detection and classification, according to an AV press release.

The X in the UAV’s title stands for cross-domain, showing the aircraft's maritime credentials. It is fitted with AI-powered autonomy to enable autonomous take-off and landing (ATOL) capabilities, which extend to operations on fast-moving ships.

The Jump 20-X's maritime capabilities build on that of the Jump 20, which has previously been utilised to provide ship-based ISR from onboard USNS Burlington. 

The Jump 20 remains a popular product for AeroVironment. Last week, the company announced that the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) had awarded a ten-year procurement contract with a ceiling value of US$181 million for the Jump 20.

Based on the estimated unit cost of the UAV from a 2022 US Army procurement, Shephard Defence Insight estimates that a procurement programme of that value could be for up to 136 drones.

The Jump 20 was also provided to Ukraine, first as part of a $2 billion Biden Administration Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) package, which also included additional Switchblade 600s and Anduril’s ALTIUS-600 drones. Defence Insight also believes Mexico, Taiwan and the US operate the UAV.

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Related Equipment in Defence Insight

Jump 20