TSAMTO, June 28. Against the background of tensions in relations with China, the United States supplied Taiwan with a batch of JUMP-20 tactical UAVs manufactured by Arcturus UAV (now a division of AeroVironment) as a grant.
According to Taiwan News, at a press conference organized by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on June 26, it was announced that Taiwan received a batch of JUMP-20 UAVs from the United States for free, as well as funds to finance the training of operators and technicians. The receipt of the devices was also confirmed by the Taiwan Coast Guard Administration (CGA), noting that the contract with the manufacturer was signed by the US Department of Defense at the end of last year.
For reference: earlier, in May of this year, Taiwan ordered four MALE MQ-9 "SiGardian" class UAVs.
As noted, JUMP-20 with a variety of capabilities and unique functions compared to larger-sized UAVs "will strengthen Taiwan's capabilities to respond to security challenges."
The T-20 JUMP is a variant of the T-20 UAV launched using a catapult. The difference from the basic version is its equipment with a hybrid four-rotor vertical take-off and landing system (hybrid-quadrotor system) developed by Latitude Engineering. Equipped with a JUMP system, the UAV does not require special equipment for launching and landing. Typically, the T-20 JUMP carries optoelectronic reconnaissance stations of the TASE200 and TASE400 families developed by Cloud Cap Technology.
The UAV has the following characteristics: carrying capacity – 30 pounds (13.6 kg), flight range – 115 miles (185 km), flight duration – from 9 to 14 hours (depending on payload), maximum speed – 72 km / h, practical ceiling – 4572 m, wingspan of the device – 5.7 m, length – 2.9 m, maximum take–off weight - 97.5 kg, including fuel and payload.
For reference: On February 24, 2023, the US Department of Defense announced another package of military assistance to Ukraine in the amount of $ 2 billion, which included JUMP-20 unmanned aerial vehicles.
