Flight services
Hood Tech Aero is a flight service provider dedicated to "Innovative Aviation Solutions.” Our unique approach will provide superior services in support of your business lines or products with qualified Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) within Payload research, demonstration and operational capabilities. Hood Tech Aero’s SMEs are professionals; they understand the need to provide a sound technology platform aimed at providing actionable results to ensure that each mission is executed successfully.
OUR SERVICES
R&D
DEMO
Deployment
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Our R&D services specialize in rapid testing, precision fabrication, and seamless platform integration. With expert IA/A&Ps support, we develop a plan and execute customized solutions to meet the unique needs of our customers. From fabrication to test deployment, we ensure efficient system integration for both manned platforms and Surrogate UAS, delivering reliable and mission-ready technology.
Early-stage ideas are explored, analyzed, & refined into viable aviation solutions.
We build functional models to evaluate design, integration, and performance.
Each system undergoes rigorous evaluation to ensure reliability & mission readiness.
Solutions are delivered, integrated, & supported in real-world environments.
EVOLUTION EXAMPLE
DANGLE POD
The RQ-21 Surrogate flight platform denoted as “DanglePod” was developed to flight test sensor systems on an active UAS fuselage where the captive aircraft would not interfere with any line of sight not normally present to the Integrator. It was conceived and developed in house to captive carry on our CubCrafter CC18-180 Top Cub flight test platform. It operates in the Special Airworthiness Certification - Experimental: Research and Development (SAC-E: R&D) while equipped and was flight tested utilizing an FAA Designated Test Pilot for airframe envelope validation.
EVOLUTION EXAMPLE
UAS ENGINE FLIGHT TESTING
The problem: safely testing a UAS powerplant at altitude outside of a simulated lab without putting the air vehicle at risk. The solution: develop a captive carry system that can have all the lab equipment on board testing the fringe of power management protocols with zero jeopardy in the event of an engine failure. The onboard lab equipment included an Exhaust Gas Analyzer with onboard compute to tune the fuel/air mixture in real time at actual altitude and under load. The engineering team operated from the relative comfort of the HTA Ops Hangar while managing the test over a remote data link to the test pilot conducting operations for up to 5 hours and to 18,000 feet altitude.
DEMO
Your product; showcased to your customers in real time. A product demo of an airborne sensor or the customer training can all be accomplished in person or remotely on our Surrogate aircraft. Utilizing an encrypted datalink and Satellite Communications we can Command & Control an onboard system from anywhere in the world. For example, we have performed flight operations at our Oregon base for live interaction at a tradeshow in Dubai
DEMONSTRATIOINS
Your product; showcased to your customers in real time. A product demo of an airborne sensor or the customer training can all be accomplished in person or remotely on our Surrogate aircraft. Utilizing an encrypted datalink and Satellite Communications we can Command & Control an onboard system from anywhere in the world. For example, we have performed flight operations at our Oregon base for live interaction at a tradeshow in Dubai.
custom training
Hood Tech Aero offers customized sensor training tailored to each customer’s platform, mission, and goals. Using surrogate aircraft, we simulate real-world scenarios with a blend of classroom instruction and live flight demos. Led by experienced instructors, training covers ISR, EO/IR, and specialized payloads—providing the knowledge and hands-on experience essential for mission success. The result is a practical learning environment that accelerates operational readiness.
Deployment
Our Deployment services focus on delivering advanced solutions for critical operations, including fire mapping, emergency response, and live situational awareness. We offer fee-based CONOPS tailored to your specific needs, utilizing multi-spectral imaging to provide detailed insights. Whether it's coordinating live services or deploying mission-critical systems, we ensure effective and timely responses to support your operations.
UAS Chase Plane Operations
Hood Tech Aero enhances critical Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations at the Pendleton Unmanned Aircraft Range (PUR) by providing dedicated chase plane services. These operations are essential for compliance with current FAA regulations, which mandate visual oversight of unmanned aircraft during extended-range flights. By maintaining visual contact with unmanned aircraft, Hood Tech Aero ensures compliance with FAA regulations and enhances the safety and reliability of these critical operations. This collaboration underscores the importance of integrating experienced chase plane services into BVLOS operations to facilitate safe and efficient unmanned aircraft missions in complex airspace environments.
Wildfire Mapping
Hood Tech Aero supports the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) by conducting NIROP (Nighttime Infrared Operations) thermal wildfire mapping missions using advanced airborne sensor systems. Flying over active wildfires, Hood Tech’s aircraft are equipped with industry-leading EO/IR technology capable of penetrating smoke and darkness to deliver precise, real-time thermal imagery. This data is processed and rapidly delivered to wildfire incident command and frontline responders, enabling accurate mapping of fire perimeters, hotspots, and progression. By providing near real-time situational awareness, Hood Tech Aero plays a critical role in enhancing the effectiveness and safety of overland wildfire suppression efforts.