AV and Arkeus Equip Jump 20 UAS with Hyperspectral Optical Radar Payload

AeroVironment (AV) has partnered with sensor technology firm Arkeus to integrate a hyperspectral optical radar payload onto the Jump 20 unmanned aerial system (UAS). This collaboration aims to significantly enhance the platform’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities by enabling long-range detection and material identification beyond the limits of traditional electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors.

Jump 20 UAS: A Tactical ISR Workhorse

The Jump 20 is a Group 3 vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) fixed-wing UAS developed by AeroVironment. Originally designed by Arcturus UAV before AV acquired the company in 2021, the platform has since become a key asset in tactical ISR operations. With an endurance of over 14 hours and a maximum payload capacity of approximately 13.6 kg (30 lbs), it supports a wide range of mission profiles including target acquisition, border surveillance, and battlefield overwatch.

In August 2020, the U.S. Army selected the Jump 20 as part of its Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS) Increment 1 program to replace the RQ-7B Shadow. The aircraft is runway-independent due to its VTOL capability and can be deployed in austere environments with minimal logistical footprint.

Hyperspectral Optical Radar: Beyond Conventional EO/IR

The new payload developed by Arkeus combines hyperspectral imaging (HSI) with optical radar techniques—effectively merging spectral analysis with high-resolution spatial mapping. Unlike traditional EO/IR sensors that rely on broadband visible or thermal bands, hyperspectral systems capture data across dozens or hundreds of narrow spectral bands. This allows for precise material characterization based on unique spectral signatures.

According to Arkeus CEO David Tolkacz, their sensor enables “long-range detection and identification of materials” that are otherwise invisible to conventional optics. This includes camouflage detection, disturbed earth analysis for IED detection, chemical residue mapping, and even early-stage vegetation stress monitoring—all critical for both military and environmental applications.

While specific technical specifications have not been disclosed publicly due to operational sensitivities, industry sources suggest that Arkeus’ HSI payload likely operates in the visible-to-shortwave infrared (VIS-SWIR) range (~400–2500 nm), offering sub-meter spatial resolution at tactical altitudes.

Integration Challenges and Platform Synergy

Integrating advanced hyperspectral systems into small-to-medium UAS platforms like the Jump 20 presents several engineering challenges:

Size, Weight & Power (SWaP): Hyperspectral sensors typically require more power and generate more heat than standard EO/IR cameras. The Jump 20’s modular payload bay had to be adapted accordingly.
Data Bandwidth: Hyperspectral systems generate large volumes of data per flight hour. Efficient onboard processing or high-throughput datalinks are required for real-time exploitation.
Stabilization & Calibration: Accurate geolocation requires precise inertial navigation system integration and frequent in-flight calibration routines.

AeroVironment’s open architecture approach facilitated rapid integration via standardized interfaces such as NATO STANAG-compliant video feeds and power connectors. The company also leveraged its experience integrating other advanced sensors like WESCAM MX-10D turrets to streamline certification processes.

Tactical Implications for ISR Operations

The addition of hyperspectral optical radar transforms the Jump 20 from a conventional EO/IR scout into a multi-sensor platform capable of deep forensic analysis from standoff ranges. Key operational benefits include:

Enhanced Target Discrimination: Ability to distinguish between decoys/camouflage versus real assets based on material composition.
Chemical/Biological Detection: Potential use in detecting chemical agents or hazardous residues through spectral anomalies.
BDA & Change Detection: Post-strike battle damage assessment through comparative spectral analysis over time.

This capability aligns closely with emerging multi-domain operations concepts where persistent sensing across multiple spectra is critical for decision superiority. It also supports joint all-domain command-and-control (JADC2) frameworks by feeding enriched data into fusion engines at brigade or division levels.

Dual-Use Potential Beyond Defense

The AV-Arkeus partnership also opens doors for non-military applications including disaster response, precision agriculture, wildfire monitoring, pipeline inspection, and environmental compliance enforcement. Hyperspectral imaging has already proven valuable in identifying plant diseases before visual symptoms appear or detecting oil spills based on reflectance patterns—capabilities now deployable via tactical UAVs like Jump 20 without relying on manned aircraft or satellites.

This dual-use potential could attract interest from international customers seeking ISR platforms that serve both security missions and civil resilience objectives—particularly in regions vulnerable to climate-induced instability or illicit trafficking networks operating under heavy vegetation cover.

Next Steps: Testing & Fielding Timeline

AeroVironment confirmed that prototype integration flights have already been conducted at test ranges in California during Q3 FY2025. Further testing will assess sensor performance under varying atmospheric conditions as well as interoperability with existing ground control stations such as AV’s Crysalis GCS suite.

No formal procurement contracts have been announced yet for this specific configuration; however, sources indicate that select DoD components have expressed interest in evaluating the system under operational demonstration programs such as AFWERX Agility Prime or Army RCCTO rapid prototyping initiatives. NATO allies may also explore foreign military sales options once export clearances are finalized pending ITAR classification review of the sensor package.

Conclusion: A Leap Forward in Tactical Sensing

The integration of hyperspectral optical radar onto AeroVironment’s Jump 20 marks a significant advancement in tactical unmanned sensing capabilities. By combining endurance VTOL UAVs with cutting-edge spectral analytics from Arkeus’ sensor suite, operators gain powerful new tools for detecting threats hidden from conventional view—whether buried under soil or disguised behind foliage. As defense forces seek greater situational awareness across increasingly complex environments, such innovations will likely define next-generation ISR doctrine across both peer conflict scenarios and grey-zone operations alike.