AeroVironment has introduced its latest unmanned aerial system (UAS), the Jump 20-X, at the IDEX 2025 exhibition. This advanced aerial platform is a “marinized” iteration of the existing Jump-20, a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fixed-wing drone designed for maritime operations, equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) to facilitate autonomous functionalities.
The Jump 20-X is positioned as a key asset for achieving cross-domain dominance in complex operational environments. It supports third-party payloads and radios and adheres to Standardization Agreement (STANAG) protocols, ensuring interoperability with NATO forces. This modular and open systems architecture is designed to enhance operational flexibility and capability.
Shane Hastings, the company’s vice president and general manager for Medium Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, emphasized the significance of the Jump 20-X, stating that it serves as a “force multiplier” that meets the modern demands for versatility, efficiency, and reliability in the field. He asserted that the integration of advanced autonomy, extended endurance, and a reconfigurable design sets a new standard for UAS operations, particularly in maritime and expeditionary contexts.
The Jump 20-X boasts robust specifications tailored for extreme maritime conditions. Equipped with AI, the drone is capable of executing precise landings on moving vessels, supported by state-of-the-art navigation and anti-jamming technologies. Furthermore, AeroVironment has integrated its SPOTR-Edge computer vision technology, which allows the drone to perform automated object detection and classification.
With a maximum multi-payload integration capacity of 30 pounds (13.6 kilograms), the VTOL aircraft can undertake various missions, including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, signals intelligence, and electronic warfare. The drone can be rapidly deployed, taking less than 30 minutes to become operational.
As a Group 3 UAS, the Jump 20-X measures 9.5 feet (2.9 meters) in length, features an 18.8-foot (5.7 meters) wingspan, and has a maximum gross take-off weight of 215 pounds (97.5 kilograms). It is designed for long-range missions, boasting an impressive endurance of over 13 hours and a control link range of 115 miles (185 kilometers), including beyond-line-of-sight capabilities.
The power behind this advanced platform comes from a heavy fuel engine, which enhances its operational flexibility. In terms of performance, the Jump 20-X can cruise at a speed of 50 knots (93 kilometers/58 miles per hour) and reach altitudes of up to 17,000 feet (5,182 meters), making it a formidable choice for maritime and other challenging operational theaters.
