The Competitor Resources section will comprise materials to assist potential DARPA Lift Challenge (DLC) competitors throughout the application process.
A Competitor's Guide: To help potential competitors prepare, this guide will walk you through everything from the technical requirements and course layout to what you can expect on competition day. | Learn more
Draft Concept Paper
March 30, 2026 | Updates
Dear DARPA Lift Challenge Applicants,
Today, we updated the Draft Rules and Competitor’s Guide. Visit these pages for the latest information.
We also added a Course Details & Tracker overview, link to the Team Portal on the DARPA.mil Lift Challenge Resource page, and all previous correspondence for your convenience.
March 20, 2026
Dear DARPA Lift Challenge Applicants,
As communicated in the Challenge Timeline on DARPA.mil and the Team Portal, we’re requesting that teams submit photo evidence that demonstrate their build progress by March 31*.
Please submit at least 1 photo (up to 4 photos max) via the Team Portal that shows your aircraft being built. Photos should reflect real-world work; AI-generated imagery and conceptual art will not be considered. Failure to provide photographic evidence may affect your ability to proceed in the application process.
Examples of build progress include, but are not limited to:
- Build progress (e.g., critical parts and components, prototype assembly, payload attachment)
- Drawings and designs (e.g., CADs, Isometric views)
You must submit your Draft Concept Paper before DARPA will review your build evidence.
Log into the Team Portal using your Team name and Application Reference Number for additional instructions on how to submit your photo(s).
As a reminder, your submission will only be seen by DARPA and will not be shared. Refer to the timeline for a list of additional upcoming deadlines. Teams can also begin entering FAA Part 107 documentation.
*The above submission date is recommended to encourage competitors’ progression in the application and design development process. The official deadline to apply is May 1, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET.
March 6, 2026 | Reminder
Attention, DARPA Lift Challenge Applicants:
Please remember to submit your draft concept paper via the Team Portal within 2 weeks of your application.
While the deadline to submit your final concept paper is May 1, the draft paper provides insight into your design development progress. Our team will review and determine concept eligibility for all drafts we receive, based on compliance with program rules and guidelines.
Additionally, please visit the Team Portal and select to opt in or out of having your team info displayed on the public-facing DARPA.mil/Lift challenge site. Note, the contents of that page are subject to change and will evolve once official invitations are sent this June.
Feb. 27, 2026 | Update on Your Draft Concept Paper
Thank you for submitting your draft concept paper. The DARPA Lift Challenge (DLC) team has reviewed your draft, and it indicates you are on track to meet the competition's rules and guidelines. Please note that a formal invitation to compete at DLC is required and we will notify teams regarding their invitation status in June.
If your design concept changes significantly before May 1 (final paper deadline), please submit a revised draft concept paper via the Team portal that represents the new design. A member of the DLC team will review and ensure it’s in alignment with the rules.
Next Steps: Visit Full Timeline on DARPA.mil
February 2026
Team bios added to DLC webpage: The DLC team will publish an applicant webpage using information from your application.
March 2026
Build progress picture submission (March 31): Teams submit a progress picture and videos of their aircraft's construction to ensure consistent engagement.
Spring 2026
FAA 44807 waiver approval: DARPA will distribute a copy of the approved 44807 waiver to all teams electronically upon FAA approval.
May 2026
- Application window closes (May 1): Formal application period closes.
- Final concept paper submission (May 1): Aircraft design is complete, and analysis and information are ready for review. DLC will notify applicants when the template is available.
- FAA certification approval (May 1): All approved FAA Part 107 certifications must be submitted to DARPA by the application window close in Phase 2, prior to Formal Team Invitation to Compete.
- Flight test verification (May 15): Teams will submit photos and videos to demonstrate the UAS' performance and safety.
Feb. 24, 2026 | Application Reminder & Key Updates
All,
Here are the latest updates for the DARPA Lift Challenge.
Key Dates:
Application window: Jan. 5 - May 1, 2026
Competition window: Aug. 2-9, 2026
Action Items for Applicants
- Submit Application: Apply by May 1, 2026. Early applications get priority in selecting flight days. You can update team details after your initial submission. | Apply
- Submit Draft Concept Paper: Submit your paper via your Team Portal within 2 weeks of your application for a safety and rules compliance review. Timely submission is required to be considered for an invitation to compete. The template is on the DLC Resources Page.
Note: Concept papers are for government use only and will not be shared beyond the Lift Challenge management team.
Resources & Updates:
- Rules & FAQs: Review the updated Draft Rules and new FAQs, which include information on team insurance and FAA requirements.
- Connecting Businesses with Teams: We launched a Contributor Portal to connect teams with U.S.-based companies offering resources. Use of this portal is voluntary.
- FAA Part 107 Exemption: We are actively working with the FAA to secure a weight limit exemption. Until this is granted, all teams must operate under the standard 55-pound limit.
If you have any questions, please reply to this email.
Feb. 19, 2026 | It's Official, National Museum of the U.S. Air Force to host DARPA Lift Challenge!
Yesterday, we announced that the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force will host the DARPA Lift Challenge on Aug. 2-9, 2026. Read the full announcement here. As a result of this partnership, winning teams may have the opportunity to display their drones at the museum for a period of time following the competition.
We're also co-locating with the popular radio-control aviation event, Flite Fest, which will take place on the museum grounds August 6-9. | Watch the Flite Fest announcement
As a reminder, we're accepting applications through May 1. Applicants receive flight windows based on the order in which they’re accepted, so apply early!
ICYMI: DLC Program Manager Phillip "Donna" Smith recently spoke with Defense News. | Catch his interview
Feb. 11, 2026 | Update on Your Draft Concept Paper
Thank you for submitting your draft concept paper. The DARPA Lift Challenge (DLC) team has reviewed your draft, and it indicates you are on track to meet the competition's rules and guidelines. Please note that a formal invitation to compete at DLC is required and we will notify teams regarding their invitation status in June.
If your design concept changes significantly before May 1 (final paper deadline), please submit a revised draft concept paper via the Team portal that represents the new design. A member of the DLC team will review and ensure it’s in alignment with the rules.
Next Steps: Visit Full Timeline on DARPA.mil
February 2026
Team bios added to DLC webpage: The DLC team will publish an applicant webpage using information from your application.
March 2026
Build progress picture submission (March 31): Teams submit a progress picture and videos of their aircraft's construction to ensure consistent engagement.
Spring 2026
FAA 44807 waiver approval: DARPA will distribute a copy of the approved 44807 waiver to all teams electronically upon FAA approval.
May 2026
- Application window closes (May 1): Formal application period closes.
- Final concept paper submission (May 1): Aircraft design is complete, and analysis and information are ready for review. DLC will notify applicants when the template is available.
- FAA certification approval (May 1): All approved FAA Part 107 certifications must be submitted to DARPA by the application window close in Phase 2, prior to Formal Team Invitation to Compete.
- Flight test verification (May 15): Teams will submit photos and videos to demonstrate the UAS' performance and safety.
Feb. 4, 2026 | Reminder to submit draft paper + team bios on DARPA.mil
Attention, DARPA Lift Challenge Applicants,
If you have not yet done so, please remember to submit your draft concept paper via the Team Portal as soon as possible.
While the final date to submit your final concept paper is May 1, we recommend submitting your draft 2 weeks after your application date to continue progressing through the application and design development process. Our team will review and determine concept eligibility based on compliance with program rules and guidelines for all drafts we receive.
Additionally, once you’ve submitted your draft paper, we’ll add your team to DARPA.mil/Lift challenge site. You’ll still require a formal invite from DARPA to compete after applications close on May 1, but having your team displayed on the site will notify Contributors that you are, in fact, interested in competing.
Finally, we added a FAQ that explains the flight test verification footage required by May 15, as noted in the Timeline. Head over to the FAQ page to find the latest, and if you have additional questions, email us at this address.
Q: Can you expand on what you're seeking for the flight test verification deliverable due May 15, and do you need both photos and video?
A: The May 15 flight test verification deliverable is intended to provide objective evidence of tangible progress toward a flight ready competition build. DARPA is not requiring a full or successful flight at this stage, nor is DARPA evaluating performance against competition metrics at this milestone.
Competitors may submit either photos or video (or both) demonstrating meaningful build progress. Acceptable evidence includes, but is not limited to:
- Integration and demonstration of a functional kill switch (hardware or software)
- Evidence of rudimentary flight controls or control authority (bench tests, ground tests, tethered tests)
- Power-on system checks and subsystem integration
- Ground testing or restrained / tethered flight testing
- Airframe assembly showing propulsion, power, and control integration
- Early Command-and-control functionality demonstrations
Submissions should be sufficient to allow DARPA to determine that the team is actively progressing toward a compliant, flyable system consistent with competition rules and safety requirements. High production quality is not required; simple documentation captured via phone or handheld camera is acceptable.
This deliverable is intended as a build-progress checkpoint, not a pass/fail flight qualification.
Jan. 29, 2026 | REMINDER: DARPA Lift Challenge Draft Concept Paper Due Jan. 31
This message is a reminder regarding the upcoming deadline for the DARPA Lift Challenge (DLC) draft concept paper.
What is the deadline?
January 31st.
Where can I find the templates?
Templates are located at: https://www.darpa.mil/research/challenges/lift/resources
How do I submit my paper?
Submissions are accepted through the portal.
What about confidentiality?
Your paper is for government use only and will not be shared outside the Lift Challenge management team.
Who can I contact for help?
For any questions, please email us.
Sincerely,
The DARPA Lift Challenge Team
DARPA Lift Challenge
https://www.darpa.mil/Lift
Jan. 27, 2026 | Critical Updates
This week, the DARPA Lift Challenge released several critical updates for all prospective teams.
- Updated draft rules: Please review the latest version of the competition rules.
- New FAQs: We have added new FAQs to cover important topics such as competitor insurance and FAA requirements.
- FAA informational video: A new video addressing questions about FAA certifications and other requirements is posted on our FAQs page.
- Updated timeline: The timeline includes deadlines for team deliverables and the new competition window (August 2-9, 2026). Find this in the “About” section, Timeline and Milestones.
We encourage all teams to review these new materials.
Sincerely,
The DARPA Lift Challenge Team
DARPA Lift Challenge
https://www.darpa.mil/Lift
Jan. 12, 2026 | DRAFT Concept Paper Update
This message is to clarify the submission process for the DARPA Lift Challenge (DLC) draft concept papers following last Friday’s update.
You will be able to submit your paper through a portal on the DARPA Lift challenge homepage, which is expected to be live on January 19th.
The submission deadline for the draft concept paper is January 31st.
Please note that your concept paper is for government use only and will not be shared beyond the Lift Challenge management team.
Sincerely,
The DARPA Lift Challenge Team
DARPA Lift Challenge
https://www.darpa.mil/Lift
Jan. 9, 2026 Important Updates for DARPA Lift Challenge Teams: Draft Concept Paper, FAA, & FCC
This email provides critical updates to all participating teams in the DARPA Lift Challenge (DLC):
Submission of Draft Concept Paper: To ensure the safety and integrity of the competition, DARPA requests all participating teams to submit a Draft Concept Paper. The purpose of this submission is to review each proposed UAS design for adherence to official DLC rules and to conduct a preliminary safety assessment. Please refer to the attached template and sample document for guidance. DARPA will provide submission instructions in the near future.
FAA Part 107 Exemption Status: DARPA is actively working with the FAA to secure an exemption to the Part 107 weight limit. As the DARPA Lift Challenge (DLC) requires Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to exceed the standard 55-pound takeoff weight, this exemption is a necessary step. Once the exemption is granted, teams will be added to the exemption’s Annex so that they will be covered to fly a UAS and payload exceeding 55 pounds. Until the exemption is granted, teams are only authorized by the FAA under Part 107 to fly UAS weighing less than 55 pounds.
FCC Update: DARPA acknowledges the FCC's Public Notice of Dec. 22, 2025 and its subsequent update on Jan. 7, 2026. Compliance with current FCC guidance is required until further clarification and new guidance are formally approved and made public.
Sincerely,
The DARPA Lift Challenge Team
DARPA Lift Challenge
https://www.darpa.mil/Lift
Jan. 7, 2026 | Contributor Portal Now Open!
Digital business cards are now available on the Contributor Portal! This feature helps connect contributing businesses with the competing teams.
To access the digital business cards:
- Go to the DARPA Lift Challenge: Lift Beyond Limits | DARPA page.
- Click “Visit the Contributor Portal!”
On the redirected DARPAConnect page, scroll down and click “Visit the Portal” to view the digital business cards.
Sincerely,
The DARPA Lift Challenge Team
DARPA Lift Challenge
https://www.darpa.mil/Lift
Jan. 5, 2026 | Registration now open!
Begin your application for the DARPA Lift Challenge today! To apply, visit: DARPA Lift Challenge Team Application Site
Initial submissions can be made with current information; team members and additional details can be updated later via the team portal. Early applications will receive priority in selecting flight days for the competition.
Dec. 31, 2025 | Reminder: DARPA Lift Challenge Registration Opens Jan. 5, 2026
Registration for the DARPA Lift Challenge opens this Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.
A link to the registration portal, where you will provide your team's application information, will be emailed to you at 9 a.m. ET on Monday the 5th.
The DARPA Lift Challenge Team wishes you a Happy New Year!
Dec. 18, 2025 | Portal Now Open for the DARPA Lift Challenge!
We are pleased to announce the launch of the Contributor Portal, designed to connect U.S.-based companies with Lift Challenge competitors. You can find it on our main page under the DARPA Lift Challenge video: https://www.darpa.mil/research/challenges/lift
Companies interested in supporting the future of drone technology are welcome to advertise available resources for the competing teams designing the next generation of heavy vertical lift aviation.
Competitors who require additional resources to enhance their drone designs may voluntarily use the portal to identify potential partners to meet their needs.
Disclaimers:
- The portal is intended solely to facilitate connections between companies and competitors who may require additional resources.
- A company’s presence on the portal does not imply endorsement by DARPA or the U.S. Government.
- Using the resources offered by Contributors is not a requirement for competing in the Challenge. Competitors are free to acquire resources from other companies for their designs.
We encourage you to explore this new resource as we continue to push the boundaries of vertical lift aviation.
Dec. 12, 2025 | New Updated Course Information
Based on the feedback regarding the challenges of 50-foot-wide lanes, we are now considering expanding to100-foot-wide lanes.
We understand this change could significantly impact design considerations, and we wanted to communicate this potential adjustment as quickly as possible to avoid limiting your design options.
Exact dimensions will be released at a later date.
Dec. 8, 2025 | Don't Miss Out: Lift Challenge Webinar Now Online
Catch up on the DARPA Lift Challenge Webinar! The recording from December 4 is now posted on our website.
Watch it now: DARPA Lift Challenge: Lift Beyond Limits | DARPA
