  In this paper, we present recent progress in the development of hydrophobic
silica aerogel as a Cherenkov radiator. In addition to the conventional method,
the recently developed pin-drying method for producing high-refractive-index
aerogels with high transparency was studied in detail. Optical qualities and
large tile handling for crack-free aerogels were investigated. Sufficient
photons were detected from high-performance aerogels in a beam test.
