Dave Jackson wrote:
".... team to design a proof of concept high speed, long range, vertical
takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft designed for use in Combat Search and
Rescue roles. ........"

The above press release mentions 'Rescue'. Does not the landing and taking
off from difficulty locations, or the use of a winch, make the ability to
hover a necessary requirement?

I'd say yes, hover is absolutely a requirement, but not only because of
the landing and taking off part (you may not be able to land at all).

Speaking of only SAR, landing is usually most preferred, but not always
possible. The lack of ability to hover is a serious disadvantage. This
isn't rocket science either... think LZ considerations vegetation,
water, terrain, buildings...

If you land at all, no-hover landings and takeoffs are a consideration,
mainly to minimize blowing dust. A big disadvantage on landing is if
there is soft or irregular terrain or small obstacles. Think rocks,
tree stumps, gopher holes hidden by tall grass. The bottom of the
aircraft can be damaged, landing gear might get caught (result dynamic
rollover). Another option in soft terrain is to touchdown but not take
all the power off while personnel get in or get out of the aircraft. If
you're talking CSAR, you may not have time for a recce pass of the LZ,
and the final decision of if and how to touchdown may be made only a few
feet above landing. That is if there is an LZ at all.

Using a gyro for CSAR support, well, that may be worth consideration,
but it would involve rewriting some doctrine

Just a few of my thoughts.