The UAV RQ-21A System, Using Hood Tech’s Launcher, Completes First Sea Flight

- According to a press release from the US Navy, on March 19, 2013 Hood Tech’s new UAV launcher, the Mark 4, successfully lunched the RQ-21A small tactical unmanned aircraft system (STUAS) for its first flight at sea. The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Mesa Verde was the site of the first and successful set of operations as part of the sea trials for the Hood Tech launcher, part of the RQ-21A system. “We’re pleased to be supporting the success of this new system”, said Cory Roeseler, the Chief Engineer for Hood Tech’s launcher systems. “We hope the Navy is equally pleased.”

When in 2002 Hood Tech began producing UAV launchers and innovative retrieval systems for small UAVs, those innovations enabled the elimination of runways for launch and retrieval.  This freed aircraft for shipboard use, for deployment in irregular or disrupted landscapes, and for other difficult locations.  Showing their ruggedness and reliability, Hood Tech launchers have initiated tens of thousands of flights under the extreme environments of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan and aboard ships in the oceans around the globe.

Dr. Andy von Flotow founded Hood Technology in Hood River, Oregon in 1992.  In addition to the design and manufacture of launch systems, Hood Technology:

Provides zip test services for pre-flight safety verification of experimental aircraft and components.

Owns and maintains a silent wind tunnel for measuring UAV engine and prop noise in accordance with MILSTD1474.

Develops, tests, and manufactures stabilized imaging systems for a variety of UAVs

Monitors blade vibrations in industrial turbines and jet engines, a diagnostic method for predicting possible future failures.

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