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AeroVironment’s Jump 20 UAS to replace RQ-7B Shadow in US Army

Source: Defence Industry Europe staff

AeroVironment received an Other Transaction Agreement award by the United States Army for Increment 1 of the Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS) program. The contract encompasses the purchase, testing and delivery of one Jump 20 medium unmanned aircraft system (MUAS) to a selected Army Brigade Combat Team (BCT) and associated services, training and support.

The AeroVironment’s Jump 20 is the first fixed-wing unmanned aircraft system capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) to be deployed extensively in support of U.S. military forces.  This UAS delivers 14+ hours of endurance, a standard operational range of 115 miles (185 kilometers) and is runway independent. The system can be set up and operational in less than 60 minutes without the need for launch or recovery equipment and has a useable payload capacity of up to 13.6 kilograms.

The Jump 20 offers flexible payload options utilizing industry leading imaging sensors such as ARCAM 45D, long range EO/MWIR as well as onboard tracking, stabilization and video processing. In addition to the multi-mission payload bay and superior optics, the JUMP 20 features a common autopilot and ground control system architecture providing a customizable, modular platform which can be custom-configured to meet operational or customer requirements.

“With Increment 1 of the FTUAS program, the Army will be testing and fielding the Jump 20 on an accelerated schedule as they seek a replacement for the RQ-7B Shadow UAS currently fielded in Brigade Combat Teams,” said Gorik Hossepian, AeroVironment vice president and product line general manager for MUAS. “The combat-proven Jump 20 is a rapidly deployable, runway independent, vertical takeoff and landing solution for the Army. Its ability to be deployed, operated and sustained from anywhere is a game-changer in theater and in situations where the enemy has invaded or destroyed infrastructure.” stressed Gorik Hossepian.

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