AeroVironment has announced a strategic partnership with Arkeus to enhance its JUMP 20 uncrewed autonomous system (UAS) by integrating the cutting-edge Hyperspectral Optical Radar (HSOR) payload. This collaboration aims to advance autonomous surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, particularly in low-visibility or congested environments. The integration is expected to significantly improve operational efficiency during long-range missions and enhance situational awareness, all while maintaining flexibility in payload use even when electromagnetic conditions are limited.
The HSOR system is powered by an AI-driven data engine designed to detect, classify, locate, and track hundreds of objects simultaneously. Its versatility allows it to operate across diverse terrains, including land, sea, and coastal areas, without the need for recalibration or hardware adjustments. Notably, AeroVironment claims that HSOR offers more than eight times the operational range of conventional optical and infrared sensors. By employing hyperspectral imaging techniques, the system can analyze light patterns emitted from various materials, yielding critical data on factors such as water depth and plant density.
The integration of HSOR into the JUMP 20 is expected to bolster capabilities across various missions, including wide-area surveillance, maritime monitoring, search and rescue operations, counter-narcotics efforts, and border security initiatives. Trace Stevenson, President of Autonomous Systems for AeroVironment, highlighted the significance of this development, stating, “The JUMP 20 is the first and only uncrewed platform to integrate Arkeus HSOR, which itself is the first real-time, wide-area scan, hyperspectral sensor.”
The JUMP 20 is characterized as a fixed-wing drone that possesses vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. Boasting over 13 hours of flight endurance, it can operate within a range of approximately 100 nautical miles (115 miles/185 kilometers) while maintaining communication with the operator. In beyond-line-of-sight operations, where control is conducted via satellite or relay, its operational range can exceed 500 nautical miles (575 miles/926 kilometers). The drone has a payload capacity of up to 30 pounds (14 kilograms) and employs a standard autopilot and ground control setup, offering operators the ability to customize the platform for various mission requirements. Impressively, setup and launching can be accomplished in under 30 minutes without the need for specialized equipment.
Earlier this year, Italy signed a $46.6-million agreement with AeroVironment for the provision of the JUMP 20 system, aiming to modernize its aging fleet of AAI RQ-7 Shadow drones. Additionally, AeroVironment recently introduced the JUMP 20-X, a “marinized” variant that is equipped with AI for autonomous maritime operations and improved cross-domain situational awareness. This innovation marks a significant step forward in UAS technology, promising to enhance operational capabilities in a range of challenging environments.
