Hood Technology’s Launchers Send UAVs into NOAA’s Domain

According to a Robotics Tomorrow article the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is interested in using a range of UAVs once they can fly in United States airspace, permitted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In the meantime, NOAA is testing two popular small UAVs, one of which employs Hood Tech’s Superwedge launching system, or the newer and more powerful Mark 4 launcher. “Whichever launcher NOAA finally chooses, we will look forward to assuring that the launches are as flawless as possible”, said Cory Roeseler, Chief Engineer for Hood Tech Mechanical.  “One of our competitive advantages is launching UAVs that don’t require a runway to become airborne or to land.”

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.