\u201cWe selected the test site specifically for its challenging topography, with obstacles in all directions\u201d stated Hood Tech Test Engineer, Cory Roeseler, \u201cThat clearing is too small for traditional fixed-wing UAV launch and recovery methods.\u00a0 It is nicely surrounded by tall trees.\u00a0 VTOL was needed, and we were pleased with the way FLARES performed.\u00a0 We launched and recovered a clean aircraft, fully-capable of its original design intent, not a hideous contraption overloaded with VTOL claptrap.\u201d
\nFLARES released the fixed wing aircraft into wing borne flight high above the tree-tops.\u00a0 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.
\nCapture of the aircraft was accomplished via the \u201cskyhook method,\u201d also above the tree tops.\u00a0 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 \u00bd-ton pickup truck and setup by a crew of two in under an hour.<\/p>\n