USSOCOM Selects JUMP 20 UAS for BVLOS ISR Services

By Mike Ball / 19 Jul 2021

ISR Drones

Discover cutting-edge solutions from 33 leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST

AeroVironment JUMP 20 UAS

AeroVironment has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) to provide ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) services with its JUMP 20 medium-sized unmanned aerial systems (UAS). These services include the deployment of the first SATCOM-enabled UAS for BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) operations. The contract includes a 12-month period of performance, with multiple follow-on option years for ISR services.

The AeroVironment JUMP 20 is the first vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) fixed-wing drone to be deployed extensively in support of U.S. military forces. Ideal for multi-mission operations, it provides 14+ hours of endurance, a standard operational range of 185 km (115 mi) 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 30 pounds. The JUMP 20 also features a common autopilot and ground control system architecture, resulting in a highly customizable, modular platform.

Gorik Hossepian, AeroVironment vice president and product line general manager for medium UAS, commented: “The JUMP 20 delivers an unmatched level of versatility, with runway and infrastructure independence, multiple payload configurations, class-leading endurance and a track record of reliability and ruggedness. The inclusion of a SATCOM payload adds beyond line of sight operation to the JUMP 20, providing our customer with expanded reach and situational awareness, and representing another game-changing, market-leading capability.”

Find manufacturers of BVLOS Technology for Unmanned Systems >>

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

FAA Approves Canadian UAVs’ Sparrowhawk™ Radar for BVLOS Drone Operations

Canadian UAVs have detailed recent FAA approval of its Sparrowhawk™ Radar system, enabling advanced drone operations for police first responders in U.S. urban airspace

May 22, 2025
OceanAlpha to Demonstrate High-Endurance Autonomous USV in Dubai

OceanAlpha will demonstrate its L25 USV in Dubai, showcasing autonomous survey technology designed for offshore applications, long-endurance missions, and real-time data acquisition

May 22, 2025
Sagetech Partners to Expand BVLOS UAS Capabilities

Sagetech Avionics and MatrixSpace are advancing BVLOS capabilities for uncrewed systems with integrated detect and avoid technologies for safe, scalable UAS operations

May 22, 2025
New Gimbaled Imaging System Released for Attritable Platforms

The new HD25-LV-C by Trillium Engineering is a low-cost, gimbaled imaging system weighing less than 400g and designed to provide advanced imaging and processing capabilities for expendable sUAS

May 21, 2025
Hybrid Navigation Solution for Enhanced Resilience Against GPS Jamming & Spoofing

The new navigation solution successfully demonstrated by Advanced Navigation utilizes a software-fused inertial-centred architecture and a new laser velocity sensor

May 21, 2025
Ascent AeroSystems & Gremsy Partner on UAS Sensor Integration

Ascent AeroSystems and Gremsy agree to sign an MoU at XPONENTIAL 2025 to explore advanced sensor integration and UAS development opportunities

May 21, 2025

Featured Content

Final Call to Apply for GENIUS NY Program

The application window for GENIUS NY, the premier uncrewed systems accelerator, closes May 28th. Learn about this incredible opportunity and explore how GENIUS NY champions innovation as the official XPO+ Launcher sponsor, at XPO Booth 3613

May 20, 2025
WarrenUAS Secures FAA 44807 Exemption, Expanding Large UAS Training Capabilities

WarrenUAS has received FAA 44807 approval to train students on unmanned aerial systems weighing over 55 pounds in the NAS, placing it among only five U.S. organizations with this clearance, and expanding its national training leadership

May 15, 2025
Product Spotlight: Durable Lightweight Lithium-Ion Batteries for UAVs

American Lithium Energy (ALE)'s energy-dense lithium-ion battery cells combine high power output with built-in safety features, ideal for UAV and eVTOL applications in challenging environments

May 14, 2025
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.