Hood Tech’s VTOL operations in a forest clearing
Our dear partner, Hood Technology, celebrates another exciting success on the VTOL field: FLARES vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) flight operations from a forest clearing.
Hood Tech’s next generation Flying Launch and recovery System (FLARES 2.0) this month demonstrated flight operations from a 200 foot forest clearing, surrounded by 60-140 foot trees. A fixed-wing UAV was launched into flight and recovered from flight, both operations occurring above the tree-tops.
“We selected the test site specifically for its challenging topography, with obstacles in all directions” stated Hood Tech Test Engineer, Cory Roeseler, “That clearing is too small for traditional fixed-wing UAV launch and recovery methods. It is nicely surrounded by tall trees. VTOL was needed, and we were pleased with the way FLARES performed. We launched and recovered a clean aircraft, fully-capable of its original design intent, not a hideous contraption overloaded with VTOL claptrap.”
FLARES released the fixed wing aircraft into wing borne flight high above the tree-tops. Zero modifications were imposed upon the fixed wing aircraft for this vertical launch, since the FLARES system engages the aircraft with grippers at the wing roots.
Capture of the aircraft was accomplished via the “skyhook method,” also above the tree tops. From that capture height, the aircraft was lowered to the ground undamaged. The entire FLARES system was transported to the site as a partial load of a ½-ton pickup truck and setup by a crew of two in under an hour.
Related Articles
Development of ZEBRA electric utility vehicles
In recent months, our engineers have been working intensively on the development of the first Czech electric utility vehicle – named elZebra – which is being developed by the Zebra Group based in Pardubice, Czech Republic. The electric car, which prides itself for adhering to the highest ecological standards, is just entering the market at a price comparable to its diesel version.
Dufour complete initial flight testing of their e-VTOL
We are excited to announce that one of our significant partners – Dufour Aerospace – bring great news for electric aviation field. The reason is completion of going trough first testing phases of their tilt-wing e-VTOL called aEro 2.
OSSA Motor cooperation at full speed
MGM COMPRO established cooperation with OSSA Motor Czech. Designing, developing and manufacturing customized propulsion system for OSSA’s electric trial bikes, we helped to get their vehicle through prototype phase into serial production.
