$6.5 Million Prize Competition
DARPA Lift Challenge
Revolutionizing Heavy Vertical Lift Aviation
What's Your Ratio™
Days
Hours
Min
Sec
Competition: August 2-9, 2026
Challenge Phases
Launch
Oct–Dec 2025
Rules announced, Q&A sessions, contributor portal launch
Design & Build
Jan–May 2026
Applications, concept papers, build progress, FAA certs
Competition
CURRENTAug 2–9, 2026
Check-in, inspections, flight windows, judging, awards
Latest Updates
View allWelcome to the DARPA Lift Challenge!
We're excited to welcome all 10 competing teams to the competition venue. Check-in begins tomorrow at 07:00 in the Inspection Hangar.
Weather Update
Clear skies expected for Day 3 flights. Winds 8-12 knots from the SW. All flight windows are GO.
Lane 2 Delayed — 15 Minutes
Lane 2 morning flights delayed 15 minutes due to geofence recalibration. New start time: 07:15.
Record Ratio Achieved!
GarageFlyer Labs has set a competition record with a 5.3:1 payload-to-weight ratio! Their 35.6 lb aircraft lifted 188.7 lbs.
Wind Advisory
Winds expected to increase to 20 knots by afternoon on Day 5. Teams with afternoon windows should prepare for gusts.
Judging Presentations Schedule Posted
Day 7 presentation order has been posted. Each team gets 20 minutes for their design presentation to the judging panel.
Quick Access
$6.5M
Total Prizes
10
Competing Teams
4:1+
Target Ratio
55 lbs
Max Aircraft Weight