AeroVironment claims USSOCOM ISR services contract
The fixed wing Jump 20 will be used by USSOCOM for BLOS ISR operations (Photo: Aerovironment)
Aerovironment has received a new contract from USSOCOM that will include the use of fixed wing Jump 20 UAVs for ISR services.
USSOCOM has awarded AeroVironment a $22 million contract for beyond line of sight (BLOS) ISR services under Mid-Endurance Unmanned Aircraft Systems (MEUAS) IV acquisition plans.
The contract includes Jump 20 medium UAVs being used by USSOCOM from an undisclosed location, AeroVironment confirmed in a 13 July company statement.
The ISR services include a first SATCOM-enabled UAV for BLOS operations, with contract terms covering a 12-month performance period and multiple follow-on option years for ISR services, according to AeroVironment.
Capabilities of the fixed wing Jump 20 UAV include an endurance of over 14 hours and range of 185km; it is also runway-independent. The system can be set up and operated in less than 60 minutes without launch or recovery equipment.
Additionally, the Jump 20 features a common autopilot and GCS architecture providing, AeroVironment say, a 'highly customisable, modular platform which can be custom-configured to meet operational or customer requirements'.
Shephard Defence Insight also notes that alongside MEUAS IV the aircraft is involved in the US Army's Future Tactical UAS (FTUAS) effort.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Singapore P-8A buy integral to future maritime domain awareness network]()
Singapore P-8A buy integral to future maritime domain awareness network
Singapore’s acquisition of the Boeing P-8A Poseidon will be part of a maritime domain awareness network that could include unmanned aerial systems.
-
![Peru cleared for possible $3.42 billion F-16 Block 70 buy]()
Peru cleared for possible $3.42 billion F-16 Block 70 buy
The potential foreign military sale covers 12 F-16 aircraft as well as related training and equipment support, the DSCA notice said.
-
![DSEI 2025: UK’s new Air Chief Marshal outlines nuclear, space and IAMD as three key priorities for RAF]()
DSEI 2025: UK’s new Air Chief Marshal outlines nuclear, space and IAMD as three key priorities for RAF
Aiming to field a more integrated, agile force, the military leader said in a keynote speech that focus on these core areas would be increased to help the RAF deter and meet challenges in the new threat landscape.
-
![DSEI 2025: The fighter market shift to Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)]()
DSEI 2025: The fighter market shift to Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)
Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities is set to become a market differentiator for fighter aircraft, allowing 4.5-5th generation platforms to remain relevant to the battlefield.
-
![Project Kuiper’s LEO network pioneers Space-as-a-Service]()
Project Kuiper’s LEO network pioneers Space-as-a-Service
The Kuiper Network enables organizations to buy, rather than build, applications that serve mission needs at mission speed.
