AeroVironment (AV) has partnered with Arkeus to integrate the Hyperspectral Optical Radar (HSOR) payload into the JUMP 20 drone system. The collaboration enhances autonomous surveillance by enabling operations in difficult conditions, extending mission range, and ensuring flexibility in payload use even under restricted electromagnetic environments.
The HSOR is powered by AI, allowing it to detect, classify, and locate hundreds of targets simultaneously. With hyperspectral imaging, it provides eight times the range of conventional optical and infrared systems and delivers data on environmental features such as water depth and plant density. The system requires no recalibration when transitioning between land, sea, and coastal areas.
Applications include maritime surveillance, border control, wide-area monitoring, counter-narcotics, and search and rescue missions.
The JUMP 20 UAS, a fixed-wing drone with vertical takeoff and landing capability, has more than 13 hours of endurance and a 100-nautical-mile (185-kilometer) line-of-sight range. Beyond-line-of-sight missions extend its reach to over 500 nautical miles (926 kilometers) through satellite or relay control. The aircraft supports a payload capacity of 30 pounds (14 kilograms), with rapid setup in under 30 minutes.
Earlier this year, Italy placed a $46.6-million order for the JUMP 20 to modernize its drone fleet, while AV also unveiled the JUMP 20-X, a maritime-focused variant equipped with AI for cross-domain operations.
