US Army taps AeroVironment JUMP 20 UAV in $8 million trial

Defense and security group AeroVironment has landed another military agency contract with an $8 million US Army deal to supply and test a JUMP 20 medium-range UAV for the first increment of the Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft System (FTUAS) program.

The not inconsequential income involved notwithstanding, the new US Army contract is even more significant as a potential opportunity in AeroVironment’s ambitions to become a regular and big provisioner to future tactical drone fleets. It calls for the Arlington, VA-based company to undertake testing of a single JUMP 20 UAV on a sped-up schedule, which if convincing could win the craft status as the FTUAS aerial system of choice.

AeroVironment’s JUMP 20 vertical takeoff and landing medium-range UAV is vying to provide aerial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance services to the US Army’s FTUAS program with a drone the company says offers increased maneuverability and improved command and…