Likely Replacement for RQ-7B Shadow Enters the Pipeline

The AeroVironment Jump 20 is a fixed-wing, uncrewed, VTOL ISR aircraft, primarily focused on providing multi-sensor intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

The Jump 20 was evaluated alongside a field of competing aircraft to attain the honor of replacing the long-lived RQ-7B Shadow UAS. Once the FTUAS program reaches increment 2, the Jump 20 and its peers will be handed over to Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs). The Jump 20 sports a 115-mile range and 14 hours of endurance, with a 30-lb payload. Given its vertical takeoff capability, the Jump 20 is runway independent, allowing units to reposition at will and get the system airborne in less than an hour of prep time. The Army was evidently impressed by the Jump 20, given its receipt of an FTUAS Increment 0 contract award. So far, AeroVironment is the only company awarded the contract for all 3 program increments. 

“The AeroVironment JUMP 20 is the most mature and capable solution in its class,” said Gorik Hossepian, AeroVironment vice president and product line general manager for medium unmanned aircraft systems. “We will continue to work closely with the U.S. Army to ensure we meet their performance needs both today for an all-environment aircraft system and in the future as requirements evolve to meet changing battlefield demands.”

FMI: www.avinc.com