AeroVironment and Korean Air have partnered to develop a tactical unmanned aerial system (UAS) for South Korea, focusing on a customized JUMP 20 drone. The fixed-wing VTOL system can take off and land vertically without a runway and supports long-range missions. It has a 3-meter airframe, 6-meter wingspan, payload capacity of 14 kilograms, and a gross takeoff weight of 96 kilograms. Powered by a 190cc electronic fuel injection engine using gasoline, the drone reaches 50 knots and can operate at 17,000 feet, with a 115-mile control range and 13-hour endurance. The collaboration aims to expand South Korea’s UAS fleet, enhance local production capabilities, and reduce reliance on foreign systems. The JUMP 20 is already deployed by NATO members, including Denmark and Italy.
