Radar

Radar launches from 860 m north of Baku, Azerbaijan, off a well-maintained gravel track that ends near a large, dome-shaped structure on the hilltop, locally believed to be a phone relay tower though its shape doesn't quite match the usual pattern. The launch itself faces east-northeast (about 70°) and is considered a good one; since the site sits close to a structure that occasionally draws military personnel, pilots should be prepared to explain themselves politely if approached, and to leave if the area turns out to be restricted that day. To get there, drive north from Baku toward Guba, turn off around Shabran, and head toward the last of the large hills on the right — the radar structure on top is the landmark to aim for; the access road starts on the hill's south side and winds around the back on a good surface. Landing offers plenty of room, but reaching it needs a glide ratio of at least 4.5, and pilots should watch for oil wells and power lines scattered across the flatland below.

Launch & conditions

The launch faces east-northeast (about 70°) and is reached by walking past the radar structure at the top of the well-maintained access track.

Getting there & local rules

Drive north from Baku toward Guba, turn off around Shabran, and head toward the last of the large hills on the right — the radar structure on the hilltop is the landmark to aim for; the access road climbs from the south side around to the top.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Radar, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Radar with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.