AeroVironment Unveils Jump 20-X and P550 UAVs at IDEX 2025 : Naval and Tactical Drones

IDEX 2025 marked a significant milestone for AeroVironment as the company publicly showcased its Jump 20-X UAV for the first time. Designed to meet the stringent requirements of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, this marinized variant of the Jump 20 UAV is tailored for operations in harsh maritime conditions. Meanwhile, the P550, a compact Group 2 UAV, made its first international debut, bringing with it a new level of modularity and adaptability for tactical missions.

Jump 20-X: A Naval-Ready Evolution

When it comes to deploying UAVs on naval platforms, a simple adaptation of existing airframes is not enough. The Jump 20-X is a result of meticulous reengineering to ensure it can withstand the demanding conditions of sea operations. The most crucial change is its propulsion system—shifting from a gasoline engine to a 230 cc multi-fuel engine compatible with JP-8, J-5, and Jet A fuels commonly available on ships. This modification enhances safety and operational efficiency while extending endurance.

In addition to corrosion-resistant materials and structural enhancements for maritime use, the Jump 20-X is equipped with improved electronic warfare protection. With better resistance to jamming and spoofing, the UAV ensures reliable navigation even in contested environments.

Structurally, the Jump 20-X retains the core design of the original Jump 20. The high straight-wing configuration, with a 5.7-meter wingspan, integrates winglets for stability. Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) functionality is powered by electric motors housed in wing-mounted pods, enabling automatic take-off and precision landing. It boasts an endurance of over 13 hours and a maximum payload capacity of 13.6 kg, allowing for a variety of mission-specific configurations.

Its modular payload bay supports a range of sensor packages, including electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) gimbals, radar systems, and signals intelligence (SIGINT) suites. Notably, it can also be armed with Northrop Grumman’s Hatchet miniature precision strike munitions or Corvid Technologies/L3Harris Shryke loitering munitions, making it a versatile asset for both reconnaissance and strike missions. Communications are supported by a standard line-of-sight data link, with optional satellite communication (SATCOM) for beyond-line-of-sight operations.

AeroVironment is currently awaiting contracts from the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, but its presence at IDEX 2025 signals an aggressive push into the international market for naval UAVs.

P550: A Compact and Agile Tactical UAV

Making its international debut at IDEX 2025, the P550 is a smaller, all-electric Group 2 UAV designed for quick deployment and multi-role adaptability. Weighing just 24.9 kg with a 6.8 kg payload capacity, the P550 is a lightweight but powerful asset for reconnaissance, surveillance, and electronic warfare.

One of the standout features of the P550 is its modular payload system, which allows operators to swap payloads in under three minutes, ensuring mission flexibility. The UAV features a central fuselage with a rear boom supporting the tail assembly, while its slightly tapered mid-wing houses the front and rear rotors for VTOL operations. Horizontal flight is powered by two electric motors, each driving a two-blade pulling propeller.

With a maximum endurance of five hours and a communication range of up to 60 km (depending on the data link configuration), the P550 is built for extended missions. Its advanced Visual Navigation System (VNS), comprising an infrared sensor, an optical camera, LiDAR, and an onboard computing module, allows it to operate in GPS-denied environments, a crucial capability in modern electronic warfare scenarios.

Performance-wise, the P550 has a flight speed range of 30-52 knots and a service ceiling of 14,000 feet. It can be launched from altitudes up to 3,000 meters, offering excellent versatility across various operational theaters.

Both the Jump 20-X and P550 are integrated with AeroVironment’s SPOTR-Edge automatic target recognition system and Avacore AI-powered edge computing suite. These enhancements reduce operator workload by autonomously detecting and classifying targets in land and maritime environments. The UAVs also feature AeroVironment’s precision launch and landing system, capable of automatically landing on a moving ship at speeds of 27 knots with an accuracy margin of just ±10 cm.

With these two UAVs, AeroVironment is positioning itself as a leader in naval and tactical drone solutions. IDEX 2025 served as the perfect platform to showcase the technological advancements and operational capabilities of these next-generation unmanned systems, drawing interest from international defense forces seeking cutting-edge solutions for modern warfare.