Updated: Nov. 20, 2025
Q: Define the reasonable time to take-off and descend?
A: The unmanned aerial system (UAS) must maintain a consistent altitude of 350 ft (+/- 50 ft) above ground level (AGL) throughout the 5 nautical mile (nmi)-designated flight path, after the defined ascent period. Ascent and descent to/from 350 ft AGL must be achieved within 0.5 nmi from the designated takeoff/landing zone with the payload and within 0.2 nmi without payload. Altitude data will be monitored, and failure to meet these requirements may result in penalties or disqualification. Descent can only begin after verbally alerting the lane coordinator.
Q: Define the maximum distance from the aircraft to the pilot in charge (PIC)?
A: Draft Rule 4.3 Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) will answer your question on the maximum distance from the aircraft to the PIC. Similarly, course details and dimensions will be released soon.
Q: Are there any size constraints for the size of the vehicle?
A: Yes, your UAS must fit within the standard course dimensions, which will be announced soon. Please note that we are considering updating the course take off/ landing zone parameters to be two identical 5’ circles, one for takeoff/landing and one for payload drop. To execute a successful, take off/ landing, the center body of the UAS must be within the designated zone.
Q: I didn't see any National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requirements, are they applicable here?
A: Yes, it is currently required by the FAA to be NDAA compliant, but we are investigating ways to make an exception for the challenge with more information to come.
Q: Are designs utilizing a short runway acceptable?
A: The UAS must execute vertical take-off and landing (VTOL). Short take-off and landing (STOL) designs will be ineligible.
Q: Can you clarify the eligibility requirements for a team? Can a government employee compete?
A: Eligible Applicants and Participants
- U.S. citizens/permanent residents, Government employees (civilian and military), and U.S. entities: Individuals who are U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents (Green Card holders), representing only U.S. entities (e.g., companies, academic institutions)
- U.S. Government entities (i.e., Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), Government agencies/military institutions): Teams from U.S. Government entities may be eligible to participate provided that no Government funds were previously used in the development of their design
Eligible Participants/Ineligible to Receive Prize Money
- Individuals and non-US Government entities receiving funding or collaborating with DARPA on activities related to the Challenge
Ineligible Applicants and Participants
- DARPA Government employees and support contractors, including their spouses, dependents, and members of their household
- Citizens of countries on the Department of State’s International Traffic in Arms Regulations restricted list
Q: Will time be paused if manual removal of the payload is selected?
A: The clock starts with payload lift-off and ends with the aircraft safely landing in the designated zone and the power being cut. The clock will not be paused at any point during a flight attempt. Please note that one (1) full nautical mile (nmi) must be completed following the payload drop.
Q: Do we have to divulge our Intellectual property when we win?
A: No, DARPA claims no Intellectual Property (IP) rights for any design taking part in the challenge.
Q: Do we have to expose our aircraft to other competitors?
A: Yes, this is a public event where your designs will be shown. Internal architecture is at your discretion.
Q: Where will the course be located? Will it be multiple days or one day event?
A: We will announce the location in the coming weeks. The competition is tentatively scheduled for a full week, but the schedule will be finalized after the team application window closes in May.
Q: How can an inventor with no resources get involved in the Challenge? Will DARPA fund any teams?
A: DARPA will not reimburse any costs, including those incurred in the design and development of the UAS. However, we plan on establishing a web portal to help competitors connect with businesses interested in contributing resources to support their design and development.
Q: How will prize money be distributed among competitors?
A: As part of the application process, individual participants and teams must provide a Social Security number or Tax Identification Number. This information is necessary to receive the prize money. DARPA is not responsible for disbursement of prizes to individual team members other than the primary contact/organization for the team provided during the application process. Please refer to the draft rules for additional information.
Q: Is there a set number of awards, or will prizes be based on performance metrics or completion of the course? Additionally, if no team completes the course, will no prizes be issued?
A: Please refer to the draft rules and prize award categories on the Lift Challenge website at https://www.darpa.mil/lift for details. DARPA will accept feedback on these draft rules through Nov. 26, 2025.
Q: In the case of a combustion or fuel cell powered aircraft, does fuel count towards the 55lb UAS weight?
A: Yes, fuel will count towards the UAS weight.
Q: Can you provide feedback on my design?
A: To ensure the Lift Challenge is conducted in a fair and equitable manner, DARPA will not provide feedback on competitor’s designs. Please sign up for our email newsletter for additional opportunities to learn more about the Lift Challenge in the coming weeks.
Q: I am not a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident; can I still compete?
A: The eligibility requirements are outlined in section 1, General Rules:
"Per the draft rules, participants must be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, (Green Card holder) or affiliated with a U.S. entity (individuals who are U.S. citizens (USCIT) or U.S. permanent residents, representing only U.S. entities (e.g., companies, academic institutions) to apply for the Lift Challenge and compete."
A non-USCIT is eligible to participate in a team where the application to compete is submitted by a U.S. citizen, entity, or green card holder. Additionally, the non-USCIT must not be a citizen of a country listed on the Department of State's International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) restricted list.
If you do not meet these requirements, you are encouraged to explore other opportunities within DARPA and recommend visiting the DARPAConnect portal. The portal is designed to help the research and development community understand how to collaborate with DARPA, fostering growth and partnerships with small businesses and education institutions new to the national security space. The portal includes resources to assist global participants interested in working with DARPA.
