WEBVTT 00:03.890 --> 00:06.057 Hey , good afternoon , everyone . Uh , 00:06.057 --> 00:08.810 this is Donna again . It's fantastic to 00:08.810 --> 00:10.810 see so much interest in the DARPA L 00:10.810 --> 00:12.699 Lift Challenge . We're incredibly 00:12.699 --> 00:14.529 excited to have over 800 people 00:14.529 --> 00:16.729 registered for this webinar . We've 00:16.729 --> 00:18.840 also received a ton of great feedback 00:18.840 --> 00:21.809 and questions , uh , over 300 emails . 00:22.370 --> 00:24.537 We know you're eager for the details , 00:24.537 --> 00:26.703 so I'm gonna walk you through some key 00:26.703 --> 00:28.809 areas to provide clarity and answer 00:28.809 --> 00:31.100 many of your questions . We'll also 00:31.100 --> 00:33.322 update the FAQs on our website with the 00:33.322 --> 00:35.689 latest information . I'm going to go 00:35.689 --> 00:37.967 over a lot of key details very quickly . 00:38.310 --> 00:40.532 The assumption is that you have already 00:40.532 --> 00:42.754 watched my previous video and have read 00:42.754 --> 00:44.921 the rules and FAQs on the website . If 00:44.921 --> 00:47.032 you have not , you might want to come 00:47.032 --> 00:48.921 back to this video after you have 00:48.921 --> 00:51.143 reviewed those materials . This webinar 00:51.143 --> 00:53.366 is being recorded and will be posted on 00:53.366 --> 00:55.588 the website so that you can rewatch and 00:55.588 --> 00:57.866 review all the points later on as well . 00:57.866 --> 01:00.088 As a side note , I took part in a DARPA 01:00.088 --> 01:02.290 challenges webinar two days ago that 01:02.290 --> 01:04.370 talks about why we do challenges and 01:04.370 --> 01:06.592 how they are set up . For those who are 01:06.592 --> 01:08.759 interested in the broader vision , you 01:08.759 --> 01:10.703 can go to DARPA Connect website to 01:10.703 --> 01:12.814 watch that recording . Today we'll be 01:12.814 --> 01:15.092 covering competition timeline and plan , 01:15.519 --> 01:17.297 eligibility and participation , 01:17.480 --> 01:19.819 challenge rationale , aircraft design , 01:20.400 --> 01:22.760 payload , event and course overview , 01:22.879 --> 01:25.940 and FAA regulations . I'll also try to 01:25.940 --> 01:27.699 leave some time at the end for 01:27.699 --> 01:29.866 clarifying questions , just to use the 01:29.866 --> 01:32.089 Q&A feature , uh , or use the Q&A 01:32.089 --> 01:34.089 feature to submit yours . Let's get 01:34.089 --> 01:36.145 started by talking about the journey 01:36.145 --> 01:38.200 leading up to the challenge itself . 01:38.200 --> 01:40.200 First , mark your calendars . We're 01:40.200 --> 01:42.311 aiming to launch the team application 01:42.311 --> 01:45.779 link on January 5 , 2026 on the DARPA 01:45.779 --> 01:48.209 Lift Challenge webpage . To apply , 01:48.290 --> 01:50.610 just one US person or US registered 01:50.610 --> 01:52.830 entity needs to submit the team 01:52.830 --> 01:54.941 information . This person will be the 01:54.941 --> 01:57.209 official team representative . Teams 01:57.209 --> 01:59.376 are welcome to include as many members 01:59.376 --> 02:01.650 as they'd like , including those from 02:01.650 --> 02:03.769 other countries , as long as they are 02:03.769 --> 02:05.658 not on the US Department of War's 02:05.658 --> 02:08.369 restricted country list . Keep in mind 02:08.369 --> 02:10.210 that attendance on site at the 02:10.210 --> 02:12.199 competition will be capped at 10 02:12.199 --> 02:14.899 members per team . The application 02:14.899 --> 02:17.121 itself is straightforward . Team name , 02:17.121 --> 02:19.177 team representative's name , contact 02:19.177 --> 02:21.343 details , and a logo if you have one . 02:21.343 --> 02:23.510 That's it for now . We want to include 02:23.510 --> 02:25.677 as many teams as possible , but we are 02:25.677 --> 02:27.843 working within the constraints of time 02:27.843 --> 02:30.066 and space . We're aiming for about 2 to 02:30.066 --> 02:32.066 300 teams at the challenge , but we 02:32.066 --> 02:34.177 might expand if there is overwhelming 02:34.177 --> 02:36.160 interest . Now let's look at the 02:36.160 --> 02:38.119 critical deadlines . At the end of 02:38.119 --> 02:40.341 January , you'll need to submit a draft 02:40.341 --> 02:42.759 concept paper outlining your aircraft 02:42.759 --> 02:45.039 design . To save you time , the 02:45.039 --> 02:47.206 contents of this paper will mirror the 02:47.206 --> 02:49.428 FAA certification submission as much as 02:49.428 --> 02:51.889 possible . In March , show us your 02:51.889 --> 02:54.111 progress by submitting build pictures . 02:54.199 --> 02:56.366 Uh , we want to see that you're making 02:56.366 --> 02:58.699 headway in building your aircraft . For 02:58.699 --> 03:00.940 May , this is a big one . Submit flight 03:00.940 --> 03:03.740 test video verification , your final 03:03.740 --> 03:06.339 concept paper , and proof of FAA 03:06.339 --> 03:09.169 certification . This is also when the 03:09.169 --> 03:11.669 application period will close . Finally , 03:11.750 --> 03:14.110 in June , selected teams who have met 03:14.110 --> 03:16.221 these deadlines and deliverables will 03:16.221 --> 03:18.860 receive a formal invitation to compete 03:18.860 --> 03:21.080 at the challenge location . More on 03:21.080 --> 03:23.809 that later . Let's clarify again who 03:23.809 --> 03:26.479 can participate and how . Collaboration 03:26.479 --> 03:29.500 uh is encouraged between companies or 03:29.500 --> 03:31.667 individuals . As I said , you can have 03:31.667 --> 03:33.759 both US and foreign team members as 03:33.759 --> 03:35.990 long as any foreign members are not on 03:35.990 --> 03:37.879 that Department of War restricted 03:37.879 --> 03:40.979 country list . Government and military 03:41.039 --> 03:43.039 organizations can participate , but 03:43.039 --> 03:45.089 only if the submitted design hasn't 03:45.089 --> 03:46.756 been previously funded by the 03:46.756 --> 03:49.033 government . And if civilian , federal , 03:49.033 --> 03:51.089 or military personnel are using work 03:51.089 --> 03:53.311 hours , supplies , or facilities , they 03:53.311 --> 03:54.978 must , of course , have their 03:54.978 --> 03:57.570 employer's permission . Each team needs 03:57.570 --> 04:00.210 at least one appointed remote pilot in 04:00.210 --> 04:02.860 command or ARPIC . That ARPIC doesn't 04:02.860 --> 04:05.139 need to be a US citizen , but they must 04:05.139 --> 04:07.940 have a USFA pilot certification to 04:07.940 --> 04:10.273 operate the aircraft at the competition . 04:10.740 --> 04:12.518 Foreign certifications won't be 04:12.518 --> 04:15.089 accepted . Furthermore , DARPA will not 04:15.089 --> 04:17.609 provide direct funding or resources to 04:17.609 --> 04:20.290 any team . However , we are creating a 04:20.290 --> 04:22.179 contributor portal where American 04:22.179 --> 04:24.369 companies can sponsor teams or donate 04:24.369 --> 04:26.609 materials . That portal will be live 04:26.609 --> 04:28.720 later this month and we'll share that 04:28.720 --> 04:32.380 link as soon as it's ready . OK . We've 04:32.380 --> 04:34.269 received a lot of questions about 04:34.269 --> 04:36.491 aircraft design , but first , I'm going 04:36.491 --> 04:38.658 to give you guys some background as to 04:38.658 --> 04:40.880 why we selected the aircraft and course 04:40.880 --> 04:42.824 parameters for this challenge . It 04:42.824 --> 04:44.459 boils down to about 5 key 04:44.459 --> 04:46.779 considerations . First , applicability . 04:46.899 --> 04:49.420 The general concept is a simple payload 04:49.420 --> 04:51.859 delivery , 5 nautical miles away and 04:51.859 --> 04:54.019 then returning to base empty . This 04:54.019 --> 04:55.899 shows applicability for both the 04:55.899 --> 04:58.660 military and civilian sectors . Second , 04:58.820 --> 05:00.980 safety . In order to eventually be 05:00.980 --> 05:03.147 certified , the aircraft has to have a 05:03.147 --> 05:05.500 safe level of controllability . We set 05:05.500 --> 05:07.500 the course as a loop to demonstrate 05:07.500 --> 05:09.859 this controllability while staying 05:09.859 --> 05:12.160 within visual line of sight , therefore 05:12.160 --> 05:14.271 eliminating the expensive sensors and 05:14.271 --> 05:16.739 comms that would be required and 05:16.739 --> 05:19.519 maintaining safe operations . Third , 05:19.739 --> 05:21.700 broad participation . The altitude 05:21.700 --> 05:24.260 limitation of 350 plus or minus 50 ft 05:24.260 --> 05:26.371 is established by FAA regulations for 05:26.371 --> 05:29.049 Class G airspace . We want teams to 05:29.049 --> 05:31.216 have the ability to test their designs 05:31.216 --> 05:33.382 in a similar challenge format prior to 05:33.382 --> 05:35.630 the competition , which is feasible 05:35.630 --> 05:37.630 within these more widely accessible 05:37.630 --> 05:40.170 class G airspaces . Fourth , 05:40.480 --> 05:43.000 streamlining certifications . Another 05:43.000 --> 05:45.222 consideration we have made in designing 05:45.222 --> 05:47.000 the challenge is addressing the 05:47.000 --> 05:49.222 certification bottlenecks . A lesson we 05:49.222 --> 05:51.222 have learned coming out of previous 05:51.222 --> 05:53.410 challenges is we set the aircraft 05:53.410 --> 05:56.329 weight to below 55 pounds in order to 05:56.329 --> 05:58.690 allow a rapid build and test under Part 05:58.690 --> 06:01.809 107 regulations . This will give teams 06:01.809 --> 06:04.209 time to submit for proper certification 06:04.209 --> 06:06.209 without delaying the build and test 06:06.209 --> 06:09.100 timeline of the core aircraft . And 06:09.100 --> 06:11.267 fifth , a real world impact . A lot of 06:11.267 --> 06:13.433 people have suggested that it would be 06:13.433 --> 06:15.380 easier to not cross the 55 pound 06:15.380 --> 06:17.547 certification barrier . First of all , 06:17.547 --> 06:19.649 this is a DARPA challenge . It's not 06:19.649 --> 06:21.779 supposed to be easy . In order to 06:21.779 --> 06:23.946 transform aviation , we need to show a 06:23.946 --> 06:25.940 relevant payload weight that shows 06:25.940 --> 06:29.709 immediate impact to the user . OK . So 06:29.709 --> 06:32.470 now for aircraft design details . There 06:32.470 --> 06:34.803 are no size restrictions for your drone . 06:34.950 --> 06:37.470 Restricting it to under 55 pounds will 06:37.470 --> 06:39.750 ensure that most designs fit within the 06:39.750 --> 06:42.029 course . If you have something extreme , 06:42.149 --> 06:44.260 we will handle that on a case by case 06:44.260 --> 06:46.190 basis , just let us know . We've 06:46.190 --> 06:49.130 changed the layout from 1 10 ft radius 06:49.130 --> 06:52.260 to 2 5-foot radius zones . One for 06:52.260 --> 06:54.750 payload drop and one for aircraft 06:54.750 --> 06:57.510 takeoff and landing . The center body 06:57.510 --> 07:00.339 of the drone needs to land and take off 07:00.339 --> 07:03.070 within a 5 ft radius to demonstrate 07:03.070 --> 07:05.190 control , but the whole drone doesn't 07:05.190 --> 07:08.230 have to fit inside of that . OK , some 07:08.230 --> 07:10.008 other things , modified cots or 07:10.008 --> 07:12.008 commercial off the shelf drones are 07:12.008 --> 07:14.399 perfectly acceptable . Energy and 07:14.399 --> 07:16.720 engine types are unrestricted by DARPA , 07:17.079 --> 07:19.135 but you must first adhere to all FAA 07:19.135 --> 07:21.399 regulations and safety guidelines . If 07:21.399 --> 07:23.399 you run into any issues with that , 07:23.679 --> 07:26.410 email us at our challenge address . OK . 07:26.700 --> 07:28.920 Starter motors and systems , those can 07:28.920 --> 07:31.480 be separate , but landing gear or 07:31.480 --> 07:33.820 components must be part of the aircraft . 07:34.649 --> 07:36.649 All parts of the aircraft including 07:36.649 --> 07:39.049 energy and any payload attachments must 07:39.049 --> 07:41.730 be under 55 pounds total . That was , 07:41.950 --> 07:43.894 lots of people ask that question . 07:43.894 --> 07:45.783 Lighter than air concepts are not 07:45.783 --> 07:48.730 allowed or for reducing the aircraft or 07:48.730 --> 07:51.570 the payload weight . Gases can be used 07:51.570 --> 07:53.737 for propulsion and controls , but just 07:53.737 --> 07:56.160 not for lift . Regarding takeoff 07:56.160 --> 07:58.382 restrictions , the aircraft and payload 07:58.382 --> 08:00.493 must take off vertically , no sliding 08:00.493 --> 08:02.760 or rolling takeoffs , even inside that 08:02.760 --> 08:05.399 5 ft radius . No minimum vertical 08:05.399 --> 08:07.288 height is required before forward 08:07.288 --> 08:10.239 flight starts . We are not allowing the 08:10.239 --> 08:12.239 addition or subtraction of parts or 08:12.239 --> 08:14.128 components between the loaded and 08:14.128 --> 08:16.017 unloaded portions of the course , 08:16.017 --> 08:17.779 including adding any energy . 08:19.000 --> 08:21.519 Transformation is allowed , uh , but 08:21.519 --> 08:23.399 you must carry all components , 08:23.799 --> 08:25.790 including the payload attachments 08:26.160 --> 08:28.104 during the unloaded portion of the 08:28.104 --> 08:30.959 route . The only things that will be 08:30.959 --> 08:33.181 left behind are the gym plates . That's 08:33.181 --> 08:35.515 a crucial one , lots of questions there . 08:35.729 --> 08:38.129 NDA compliance is not required for this 08:38.129 --> 08:40.088 challenge . That means you can buy 08:40.088 --> 08:42.859 parts from wherever . And there are no 08:42.859 --> 08:45.349 specific autonomy requirements , but we 08:45.349 --> 08:48.109 do require a human pilot backup if 08:48.109 --> 08:51.429 autonomy is used . Specific radio 08:51.429 --> 08:53.651 frequencies will not be used during the 08:53.651 --> 08:55.485 challenge . Using a control link 08:55.485 --> 08:58.390 protocol similar to Express LRS is 08:58.390 --> 09:01.609 recommended . Lastly , DARPA will not 09:01.609 --> 09:04.450 claim IP . You're free to protect your 09:04.450 --> 09:06.739 designs via patents before the event . 09:07.090 --> 09:09.369 Keep in mind , this will be an open 09:09.369 --> 09:11.969 event where photography and videography 09:11.969 --> 09:14.080 will be allowed throughout the area . 09:15.260 --> 09:17.390 OK , moving on , let's talk about the 09:17.390 --> 09:20.250 payload . The payload will be made up 09:20.250 --> 09:24.070 of barbell standard brand cast iron 09:24.070 --> 09:26.070 weight plates . The increments that 09:26.070 --> 09:29.130 we'll be using are 45 , 35 , 25 , 10 , 09:29.190 --> 09:32.010 5 , and 2.5 pounds . So any combination 09:32.010 --> 09:34.390 of those . The plates must be 09:34.390 --> 09:37.109 co-located and can't be part of the 09:37.109 --> 09:39.276 structure , and the orientation of the 09:39.276 --> 09:41.880 plates doesn't matter . The payload can 09:41.880 --> 09:44.919 be tethered , uh , but both the 09:44.919 --> 09:47.289 aircraft and payload must stay within 09:47.289 --> 09:50.280 the 350 plus or minus 50 ft in altitude 09:50.280 --> 09:53.049 during the flight . Unloads can happen 09:53.049 --> 09:55.369 manually or automatically , however , 09:55.489 --> 09:57.890 manual unloads can only happen after 09:57.890 --> 10:00.489 rendering the aircraft safe . Also , 10:00.570 --> 10:02.729 the overall flight time does not stop 10:02.729 --> 10:04.729 during the unload and will continue 10:04.729 --> 10:07.390 throughout the flight attempt . And 10:07.390 --> 10:09.909 we'll use two trackers , one on the 10:09.909 --> 10:11.869 payload , which is included in the 10:11.869 --> 10:13.780 payload weight , and one on the 10:13.780 --> 10:16.349 aircraft , which is the required FAA 10:16.349 --> 10:18.809 flight ID , and that will count towards 10:18.809 --> 10:22.510 the aircraft weight . OK , now that we 10:22.510 --> 10:24.566 have covered challenge , rationale , 10:24.566 --> 10:26.788 aircraft design , and payload details , 10:26.788 --> 10:29.150 let's talk about the summer 2026 event . 10:30.109 --> 10:31.776 As implied in the rules , the 10:31.776 --> 10:33.998 competition will be held outdoors , and 10:33.998 --> 10:35.831 you will have to fly in whatever 10:35.831 --> 10:37.942 weather conditions are present during 10:37.942 --> 10:40.159 your flight window , up to the limits 10:40.159 --> 10:43.210 defined in the rules . Each team will 10:43.210 --> 10:46.409 have a designated home base area under 10:46.409 --> 10:48.409 a large tent equipped with power , 10:48.559 --> 10:50.890 tables and chairs . Facilities and 10:50.890 --> 10:53.112 other amenities , including food , will 10:53.112 --> 10:55.559 be available on site . There will be an 10:55.559 --> 10:57.615 open event , or this will be an open 10:57.615 --> 10:59.781 event where the public will be invited 10:59.781 --> 11:01.892 and your designs will be on display . 11:02.570 --> 11:04.681 Each team will be assigned two flight 11:04.681 --> 11:07.349 windows , one morning and one afternoon , 11:07.729 --> 11:09.969 with an assigned lane , number , date , 11:10.010 --> 11:13.469 and time for each . 90 minutes before 11:13.929 --> 11:16.040 your flight window , you'll move your 11:16.040 --> 11:17.985 aircraft to the preparation box as 11:17.985 --> 11:20.151 shown on the screen . Think of it like 11:20.151 --> 11:22.429 an on-deck batter on deck kind of area . 11:22.429 --> 11:24.651 This will allow you to prepare and help 11:24.651 --> 11:26.762 us stay on schedule . At the start of 11:26.762 --> 11:28.873 your 90 minute flight window , you'll 11:28.873 --> 11:31.040 move to the competition box for safety 11:31.040 --> 11:33.040 checks , weigh-ins , and your first 11:33.040 --> 11:35.096 flight attempt . The remote pilot in 11:35.096 --> 11:37.207 command will be stationed next to the 11:37.207 --> 11:39.429 lane coordinator within the competition 11:39.429 --> 11:41.809 box at the end of the lane throughout 11:41.809 --> 11:44.429 the entire flight window . Time starts 11:44.429 --> 11:46.596 when the payload leaves the ground and 11:46.596 --> 11:48.762 ends when the aircraft lands after the 11:48.762 --> 11:50.818 final unloaded nautical mile and the 11:50.818 --> 11:53.979 power is cut . The payload must touch 11:53.979 --> 11:56.140 the ground vertically within the 5 ft 11:56.140 --> 11:59.630 radius . Payload landing zone in a 12:00.340 --> 12:03.340 in a oh sorry , the , the payload must 12:03.340 --> 12:05.507 land in a safe and controlled manner . 12:06.330 --> 12:08.386 Again , no clock stoppage during the 12:08.386 --> 12:11.070 payload drop off . Your aircraft must 12:11.070 --> 12:13.609 attain a flight altitude of 350 plus or 12:13.609 --> 12:17.190 minus 50 ft by 0.5 nautical miles , 12:17.570 --> 12:20.090 and you can start your descent at 3.5 12:20.090 --> 12:22.729 nautical miles . Remember , you must 12:22.729 --> 12:24.840 complete 4 full nautical miles before 12:24.840 --> 12:27.090 dropping off the payload . Then 12:27.090 --> 12:29.250 complete the final unloaded nautical 12:29.250 --> 12:32.119 mile . For that one , you must reach 12:32.119 --> 12:35.119 flight altitude by 0.2 nautical miles , 12:35.419 --> 12:37.770 and can descend after 0.8 nautical 12:37.770 --> 12:40.750 miles . If any of these criteria are 12:40.750 --> 12:42.710 not met , it will result in an 12:42.710 --> 12:45.130 infraction . Infractions simply 12:45.130 --> 12:47.549 invalidate that specific scoring 12:47.549 --> 12:49.549 attempt . We will not have a points 12:49.549 --> 12:52.349 reduction system . A nearby screen will 12:52.349 --> 12:54.349 record your telemetry and digitally 12:54.349 --> 12:56.405 inform you if you , if an infraction 12:56.405 --> 12:59.260 has occurred . If this happens , you 12:59.260 --> 13:01.659 can continue to practice or return to 13:01.659 --> 13:04.059 the start point , prepare your aircraft , 13:04.219 --> 13:06.386 weigh it again , and start again . You 13:06.386 --> 13:08.386 may attempt as many flights as your 13:08.386 --> 13:11.140 window allows . However , you must land 13:11.140 --> 13:13.362 back in the takeoff landing zone by the 13:13.362 --> 13:15.307 end of your flight , regardless of 13:15.307 --> 13:17.630 where you are in your attempt . And 13:17.630 --> 13:19.869 teams can bring multiple copies of 13:19.869 --> 13:22.036 their designs , as well as spare parts 13:22.036 --> 13:25.770 in case of damage . OK . On to 13:25.770 --> 13:27.770 some exciting news . We're 13:27.770 --> 13:29.826 collaborating with Flight Test , the 13:29.826 --> 13:32.090 popular RC aviation organization to 13:32.090 --> 13:34.609 leverage their event and uh collaborate 13:34.609 --> 13:37.169 in building a robust community . Their 13:37.169 --> 13:39.929 president , Josh Bixler is with us 13:39.929 --> 13:41.873 today . There he is . Hey , Josh , 13:41.873 --> 13:43.818 welcome . We're excited to finally 13:43.818 --> 13:45.985 announce our competition . Um , what , 13:46.320 --> 13:48.376 what do you got to say ? The floor's 13:48.376 --> 13:50.209 over to you . Uh , we are beyond 13:50.209 --> 13:52.376 excited to be able to collaborate with 13:52.376 --> 13:54.598 DARPA on this upcoming Lyft challenge . 13:54.598 --> 13:54.479 You know , for over 15 years , Flight 13:54.479 --> 13:56.799 Test has worked hard to inspire over 2 13:56.799 --> 13:58.743 million community members to dream 13:58.743 --> 14:00.743 bigger , build bolder , and to push 14:00.743 --> 14:02.632 flight to new limits . We do this 14:02.632 --> 14:04.299 through entertaining with our 14:04.299 --> 14:06.355 family-friendly YouTube content . We 14:06.355 --> 14:08.521 educate through our FT-STEM programs , 14:08.521 --> 14:10.521 and we also inspire others by doing 14:10.521 --> 14:10.469 some really crazy builds and bringing 14:10.469 --> 14:12.525 others along the journey . This lift 14:12.525 --> 14:14.691 challenge is an amazing opportunity to 14:14.691 --> 14:16.747 engage with a worldwide community of 14:16.747 --> 14:18.913 flight enthusiasts all around a common 14:18.913 --> 14:22.580 goal . All right , thanks , 14:22.630 --> 14:25.309 Josh . Um , as I said , the number of 14:25.309 --> 14:27.510 registrants will determine where we 14:27.510 --> 14:30.539 host the competition . One possible 14:30.539 --> 14:32.261 option would be to potentially 14:32.261 --> 14:34.429 co-locate with Flight Test's flagship 14:34.429 --> 14:36.940 event , uh , Flight Fest in Malvern , 14:37.059 --> 14:40.580 Ohio in June . Um , uh , we really look 14:40.580 --> 14:42.802 forward , Josh , to , uh , sharing more 14:42.802 --> 14:44.802 about the collaboration in , in our 14:44.802 --> 14:46.636 coming months and appreciate you 14:46.636 --> 14:50.059 hopping on with us . OK . All right . 14:50.270 --> 14:52.492 All right , let's finish up and cover a 14:52.492 --> 14:54.603 few remaining items . First , the FAA 14:54.603 --> 14:56.409 requirements . All participants 14:56.520 --> 14:59.619 participants must follow FAA Part 107 14:59.619 --> 15:02.609 guidelines while you are under 55 15:02.609 --> 15:05.070 pounds . This includes the drone pilot 15:05.070 --> 15:07.950 license , registration , and Part 107 15:07.950 --> 15:11.559 airworthiness . For operations above 55 15:11.559 --> 15:13.726 pounds , we have been working with the 15:13.726 --> 15:15.219 FAA to create and use a 15:15.219 --> 15:18.099 precedent-setting summary grant . Each 15:18.099 --> 15:21.059 team will have to submit a 44807 or a 15:21.059 --> 15:23.226 special authority for certain unmanned 15:23.226 --> 15:25.281 aircraft systems , and you will also 15:25.281 --> 15:27.448 have to upgrade your drone license and 15:27.448 --> 15:29.659 registration accordingly . You will 15:29.659 --> 15:32.900 then be able to operate your above 55 15:32.900 --> 15:35.940 pound gross weight , gross or , you 15:35.940 --> 15:38.130 know , max operating weight in the 15:38.130 --> 15:40.419 approved and appropriate airspace . 15:41.559 --> 15:43.337 Make sure your FAA paperwork is 15:43.337 --> 15:45.780 submitted early as certification can 15:45.780 --> 15:48.739 take time , even with the coordination 15:48.739 --> 15:51.000 that we've been doing with the FAA . I 15:51.000 --> 15:53.056 know this seems like a lot of work , 15:53.056 --> 15:55.167 but this competition isn't just about 15:55.167 --> 15:57.389 building drones . It's about building a 15:57.389 --> 15:59.679 vibrant community empowered by shared 15:59.679 --> 16:02.119 knowledge . In this case , a key focus 16:02.119 --> 16:04.341 is developing a strong understanding of 16:04.341 --> 16:06.452 the rules and regulations surrounding 16:06.452 --> 16:09.390 drone operations . As soon as we're 16:09.390 --> 16:11.440 able , we will share a DARPA lift 16:11.440 --> 16:13.780 challenge specific FAA checklist . 16:14.869 --> 16:16.702 Lastly , once the prize money is 16:16.702 --> 16:18.630 awarded to the official team 16:18.630 --> 16:21.349 representative , DARPA won't impose any 16:21.349 --> 16:23.190 restrictions on how you use it . 16:25.030 --> 16:28.469 OK . Now that I've covered 16:28.469 --> 16:30.669 most , uh , you know , most asked 16:30.669 --> 16:32.510 topics , let's hear what other 16:32.510 --> 16:35.900 clarifying questions you may have . Um , 16:36.030 --> 16:38.179 and , what do we , what have we got ? 16:40.130 --> 16:42.241 All right , Donna , starting us off . 16:42.241 --> 16:44.130 If the payload does not touch the 16:44.130 --> 16:46.297 ground due to landing gear and falls a 16:46.297 --> 16:48.463 short distance after landing , is that 16:48.463 --> 16:51.229 an infraction ? No , so the , the 16:51.229 --> 16:53.451 primary thing that we're thinking about 16:53.451 --> 16:55.229 here is the safety , right ? So 16:55.229 --> 16:57.229 obviously if your , if your landing 16:57.229 --> 16:59.451 gear is here and your payload is here , 16:59.451 --> 17:01.618 you've safely landed and you drop it a 17:01.618 --> 17:03.785 couple of inches or whatever , down to 17:03.785 --> 17:05.507 the ground , that's a safe and 17:05.507 --> 17:07.562 controlled release of it . Um , it's 17:07.562 --> 17:09.562 hard with the wording to , to cover 17:09.562 --> 17:11.618 every scenario , um , but that one's 17:11.618 --> 17:13.785 perfectly reasonable . It's a safe and 17:13.785 --> 17:15.729 controlled environment . You , you 17:15.729 --> 17:17.951 dropped it a few inches in a controlled 17:17.951 --> 17:20.062 manner , so that , that's fine . From 17:20.062 --> 17:22.310 the current draft rules , all plates 17:22.310 --> 17:24.032 comprising the payload must be 17:24.032 --> 17:26.366 co-located at a single point on the UAS . 17:26.709 --> 17:28.931 Could you elaborate on what you mean by 17:28.931 --> 17:32.180 single point ? Yeah , so , what we 17:32.180 --> 17:34.729 didn't want is people spreading the 17:34.729 --> 17:36.785 weights out all over . So remember , 17:36.785 --> 17:39.500 this is going back to the intent of it 17:39.500 --> 17:42.739 is , it's a military or civilian 17:42.739 --> 17:44.795 organization that wants to transport 17:44.795 --> 17:46.795 cargo , and that can be any type of 17:46.795 --> 17:48.961 cargo , right ? Any size and shape and 17:48.961 --> 17:51.072 all that sort of stuff . So we wanted 17:51.072 --> 17:53.072 kind of a singular place where that 17:53.072 --> 17:54.795 cargo goes , rather than maybe 17:54.795 --> 17:56.961 spreading out the weights all over and 17:56.961 --> 17:58.961 really just taking advantage of the 17:58.961 --> 18:00.906 fact that we're using consolidated 18:00.906 --> 18:03.017 weights . So , put it all in the same 18:03.017 --> 18:04.906 place . It doesn't have to have a 18:04.906 --> 18:06.850 single attachment point , um , but 18:06.850 --> 18:08.961 co-locate those weights and then drop 18:08.961 --> 18:10.517 them off either manually or 18:10.517 --> 18:12.572 automatically , like we talked about 18:12.572 --> 18:14.900 before . Is the challenge payload 18:14.900 --> 18:17.489 limited to 4 times the maximum drone 18:17.489 --> 18:19.489 weight ? Specifically , should I be 18:19.489 --> 18:21.545 designing my drone to lift a maximum 18:21.545 --> 18:24.050 amount of 220 pounds ? No , no , no . 18:24.119 --> 18:26.341 So that's why we switched . We have two 18:26.341 --> 18:28.397 different metrics , right ? You have 18:28.397 --> 18:30.341 the minimum of 110 pounds . That's 18:30.341 --> 18:32.508 because we wanted to have that kind of 18:32.508 --> 18:34.619 realistic , uh , payload weight , but 18:34.770 --> 18:37.290 we , we made it the , the actual 18:37.290 --> 18:39.346 competition based off the payload to 18:39.346 --> 18:41.729 weight ratio . So we want you to hit 18:41.729 --> 18:43.618 whatever weight you can , right ? 18:43.770 --> 18:45.937 Because that's the number that will be 18:45.937 --> 18:48.214 on the leaderboard is the ratio number , 18:48.260 --> 18:50.260 not the total weight . Yeah , we'll 18:50.260 --> 18:52.093 have it in there for information 18:52.093 --> 18:54.260 purposes . But it's the ratio , so you 18:54.260 --> 18:56.316 want to get the best ratio you can . 18:56.316 --> 18:58.316 Whether that's making your aircraft 18:58.316 --> 19:00.427 lighter or carrying more payload , as 19:00.427 --> 19:02.593 long as you're above that 110 pounds , 19:02.593 --> 19:05.890 is up to you and your design . Can 19:05.890 --> 19:07.779 non-reusable parts be used on the 19:07.779 --> 19:10.001 aircraft ? Are we allowed to eject mass 19:10.001 --> 19:12.869 off the vehicle ? Yeah , so this is an 19:12.869 --> 19:15.780 interesting one , The course that we're 19:15.780 --> 19:18.380 going to do is going to allow , there's 19:18.380 --> 19:20.602 not going to be anything underneath the 19:20.602 --> 19:22.713 course . So we are going to allow you 19:22.713 --> 19:26.579 to eject um energy sources if they are 19:26.579 --> 19:28.690 already used in order to lighten your 19:28.690 --> 19:31.660 load . Um , but you can't eject any 19:31.660 --> 19:33.549 part of the flyable aircraft . So 19:33.549 --> 19:35.549 that's got to be an energy source . 19:35.549 --> 19:37.493 Remember , it's , you're going out 19:37.493 --> 19:39.382 somewhere , you're dropping off a 19:39.382 --> 19:38.859 payload , you're coming back to home 19:38.859 --> 19:40.915 base . The home base is where you're 19:40.915 --> 19:43.229 going to add that energy . And put 19:43.229 --> 19:45.451 everything back . So there can't be any 19:45.451 --> 19:48.199 change to that aircraft in that kind of 19:48.199 --> 19:50.869 transition . That makes sense , I think 19:50.869 --> 19:53.589 it does . Does the aircraft have to be 19:53.589 --> 19:55.645 powered by thrust only ? Can it have 19:55.645 --> 19:57.645 airfoils and switch to a fixed wing 19:57.645 --> 20:00.020 design midflight ? Oh no , yeah , this 20:00.020 --> 20:03.069 is all options are out there , um . 20:04.030 --> 20:06.252 So we hope to see that . We hope to see 20:06.252 --> 20:08.829 transforming aircraft , um , and we've 20:08.829 --> 20:10.885 already seen a couple of really cool 20:10.885 --> 20:13.051 ideas . So , you know , however you're 20:13.051 --> 20:15.430 wanting to , you know , slip the surly 20:15.430 --> 20:17.599 bounds of Earth and , and depart and 20:17.599 --> 20:19.766 then transition for your flight time , 20:19.949 --> 20:21.949 uh , I know that our oval course , 20:22.150 --> 20:24.372 we've gotten that a lot . This is going 20:24.372 --> 20:26.039 to be hard . It's going to be 20:26.039 --> 20:28.150 geo-fenced . Um , one thing we didn't 20:28.150 --> 20:30.750 cover before is we're looking at about 20:30.750 --> 20:34.709 a 50-foot wide course , pretty , pretty 20:34.709 --> 20:38.060 narrow , pretty limited . Um , and then 20:38.150 --> 20:40.150 about a quarter mile in length . So 20:40.150 --> 20:42.428 you'll have to fly that multiple times . 20:42.819 --> 20:44.930 Um , a lot of people have said that's 20:44.930 --> 20:47.152 really hard and going back , yes , this 20:47.152 --> 20:49.319 is a hard challenge . Um , you have to 20:49.319 --> 20:51.486 have the controllability and the power 20:51.486 --> 20:54.810 to be able to do that . Um , so , yeah , 20:55.630 --> 20:57.574 transitioning or transforming your 20:57.574 --> 20:59.574 aircraft between vertical and , and 20:59.574 --> 21:01.630 horizontal flight is , is definitely 21:01.630 --> 21:04.170 options . All right , transitioning 21:04.170 --> 21:06.170 topics a little bit . Will there be 21:06.170 --> 21:09.869 food at the grand event ? Josh , you 21:09.869 --> 21:12.670 wanna jump in there ? Yeah , one of our 21:12.670 --> 21:14.892 favorite things about Flightfest events 21:14.892 --> 21:17.114 is the food in the community , so there 21:17.114 --> 21:19.281 will definitely be food at the event , 21:19.281 --> 21:19.170 and it'll be something for the whole 21:19.170 --> 21:22.949 family to enjoy . Awesome , thanks . 21:23.900 --> 21:26.067 The contestants will have to transport 21:26.067 --> 21:28.233 their equipment to the location of the 21:28.233 --> 21:30.400 competition . Do you have any guidance 21:30.400 --> 21:32.729 on that ? Um , Josh , maybe you can 21:32.729 --> 21:34.673 jump in here too . How do , how do 21:34.673 --> 21:36.673 Flight Fest competitors bring their 21:36.673 --> 21:38.785 stuff in ? Where do they park , stuff 21:38.785 --> 21:40.951 like that . I mean , we'll get more of 21:40.951 --> 21:40.689 this , we'll get , you know , the site 21:40.689 --> 21:42.745 layout and everything when we know , 21:42.745 --> 21:44.967 but generally they just bring their own 21:44.967 --> 21:47.022 vehicle , right , and drop it off in 21:47.022 --> 21:49.189 their tents . Yeah , yeah . Oftentimes 21:49.189 --> 21:51.245 with community bringing their models 21:51.245 --> 21:53.356 and stuff to fly at Flightfest events 21:53.356 --> 21:55.467 and go to the tents , they're usually 21:55.467 --> 21:57.578 based at their campsites . There will 21:57.578 --> 21:57.229 be camping at Flightfest , and then 21:57.229 --> 21:59.280 there's also the ability to shuttle 21:59.280 --> 22:01.391 things in . So I definitely recommend 22:01.391 --> 22:03.502 planning ahead on how you're going to 22:03.502 --> 22:05.724 easily transport these to the locations 22:05.724 --> 22:08.058 where you're going to set up . But yeah , 22:08.058 --> 22:09.891 people generally have no problem 22:09.891 --> 22:11.891 getting in to the event and finding 22:11.891 --> 22:14.219 this place . OK . And as a plug , if 22:14.219 --> 22:16.386 you guys haven't seen uh their YouTube 22:16.386 --> 22:18.608 videos and the Flight Fest , definitely 22:18.608 --> 22:20.497 check them out . Uh , I'm looking 22:20.497 --> 22:22.552 forward to aerial combat during this 22:22.552 --> 22:24.608 event , and , uh , we won't be using 22:24.608 --> 22:26.719 this , the , the DARPA lift Challenge 22:26.719 --> 22:28.941 in aerial combat . Um , well , I mean , 22:28.941 --> 22:31.163 I guess if you're done with your , your 22:31.163 --> 22:33.330 event , you can go and do that , maybe 22:33.330 --> 22:35.441 that'd be fun , but , um , but yeah , 22:35.441 --> 22:35.109 it's gonna be an awesome event . All 22:35.109 --> 22:37.165 right , Ann , what else do we have ? 22:37.599 --> 22:39.932 When you say 4 times the initial weight , 22:39.932 --> 22:41.988 are you referring to the max takeoff 22:41.988 --> 22:44.043 weight or the max operating weight ? 22:44.043 --> 22:46.839 Yeah , so MOW max operating weight . 22:47.880 --> 22:51.540 Um , so , sorry , so 4 times the 22:51.540 --> 22:53.762 payload to weight ratio is based off of 22:53.762 --> 22:55.929 your aircraft weight and the payload , 22:55.929 --> 22:58.040 right ? And so I do want that payload 22:58.040 --> 23:00.680 to be 4 times the aircraft weight . Um , 23:00.819 --> 23:03.050 now , max takeoff weight is dependent 23:03.050 --> 23:05.161 on your configuration . Are you , are 23:05.161 --> 23:07.217 you taking off with the payload , or 23:07.217 --> 23:09.383 are you taking off separately and then 23:09.383 --> 23:11.717 sling loading or any other fashion ? Um , 23:11.717 --> 23:15.650 so it's max operating weight is the FAA 23:15.650 --> 23:17.706 terms that they use , right ? That's 23:17.706 --> 23:19.817 where you have the 55 pound barrier . 23:19.817 --> 23:23.359 Um , but for us , the 4X is 23:23.900 --> 23:27.780 the payload is 4 times the , uh , the 23:27.780 --> 23:31.510 aircraft weight . Is there 23:31.510 --> 23:33.621 a speed limit for horizontal flight ? 23:33.709 --> 23:35.765 Under Part 107 , speed is limited to 23:35.765 --> 23:38.390 100 MPH . Does this limitation apply to 23:38.390 --> 23:42.130 this competition ? So , no , um , 23:42.319 --> 23:44.375 because you will not be operating at 23:44.375 --> 23:46.597 the competition under Part 107 . You'll 23:46.597 --> 23:50.280 be under operating under the 44807 . Um , 23:50.439 --> 23:52.550 there's lots of stuff on the internet 23:52.550 --> 23:54.717 to read about this . The FAA has a lot 23:54.717 --> 23:56.883 of , of websites and links and stuff , 23:56.883 --> 23:58.661 so I encourage everybody to get 23:58.661 --> 24:00.995 familiar with the rules and regulations . 24:00.995 --> 24:04.180 Um , but the 44807 summary grant is , 24:04.280 --> 24:06.336 you know , will allow us to go above 24:06.336 --> 24:08.336 that 100 mile an hour speed limit . 24:11.239 --> 24:13.350 May we have more than one drone entry 24:13.350 --> 24:15.572 so that we can try a heavier weight and 24:15.572 --> 24:17.739 still compete at the minimum 110 pound 24:17.739 --> 24:19.683 payload if it doesn't complete the 24:19.683 --> 24:22.949 flight attempt . Yes , um , OK , so 24:22.949 --> 24:25.171 there's , there's two different ways of 24:25.171 --> 24:27.116 doing this . You can have the same 24:27.116 --> 24:29.227 design , and I , I recommend this for 24:29.227 --> 24:31.171 everybody . Just go out and post a 24:31.171 --> 24:33.338 score with your 110 pounds . Get , get 24:33.338 --> 24:35.393 on the board , right ? And then your 24:35.393 --> 24:37.393 next flight attempt , go for your , 24:37.393 --> 24:39.616 your heavier , you know , that , that , 24:39.616 --> 24:41.671 uh , winning payload to weight ratio 24:42.000 --> 24:45.550 number . But if you have Two different 24:45.550 --> 24:47.717 designs , and you want to fly one just 24:47.717 --> 24:49.939 to get on the board with 110 , and then 24:49.939 --> 24:52.510 another one to try and max out , you do 24:52.510 --> 24:54.843 have to register as two different teams . 24:55.079 --> 24:57.301 That , you know , all the people can be 24:57.301 --> 24:59.246 the same , but each team is really 24:59.246 --> 25:01.859 actually defined by a unique design . 25:02.239 --> 25:05.680 Um , so register as two teams , Team A , 25:05.800 --> 25:08.040 Team B , and then the people will all 25:08.040 --> 25:09.651 be the same and everything . 25:13.099 --> 25:15.210 Will there be limits on AI use during 25:15.210 --> 25:19.109 the challenge ? Um , so , no , and this 25:19.109 --> 25:21.276 goes into another question I saw about 25:21.276 --> 25:23.553 autonomy . Are we looking for anything ? 25:23.553 --> 25:25.630 So , we're , we're trying to laser 25:25.630 --> 25:27.686 focus here on this payload to weight 25:27.686 --> 25:29.589 ratio . Um , if you try and do 25:29.589 --> 25:31.645 everything , you'll probably fail at 25:31.645 --> 25:33.867 everything , right ? So we're trying to 25:33.867 --> 25:36.089 do one thing and really focus on that . 25:36.089 --> 25:38.270 So , AI autonomy , uh , any of that 25:38.270 --> 25:41.430 stuff is not a focus here . Um , if you 25:41.430 --> 25:45.390 use it specifically to lift more weight 25:45.390 --> 25:47.560 than someone else can . Then that's 25:47.560 --> 25:49.560 very interesting to us , right ? If 25:49.560 --> 25:51.616 it's a part of the payload to weight 25:51.616 --> 25:53.449 ratio , but if it's just part of 25:53.449 --> 25:55.829 controllability , um , that's not super 25:55.829 --> 25:58.439 interesting , um , uh , you know , in 25:58.439 --> 26:00.439 other areas it is , but for this 26:00.439 --> 26:03.640 challenge , it's not . Um , AI in your 26:03.640 --> 26:05.640 design and your build , that's also 26:05.640 --> 26:07.807 very interesting to us , but it's just 26:07.807 --> 26:09.529 not a focus of this particular 26:09.529 --> 26:13.250 challenge . Do you allow releasing 26:13.250 --> 26:15.250 payload plates individually or must 26:15.250 --> 26:16.806 they be released together ? 26:18.439 --> 26:22.300 Uh , Yeah , so we'll go 26:22.300 --> 26:24.420 back to that safety . It's just about 26:24.420 --> 26:26.531 safety . So if you land and you , you 26:26.531 --> 26:28.531 know , the setup you have drops two 26:28.531 --> 26:30.698 plates first and then another 2 plates 26:30.698 --> 26:32.864 or something like that , that's fine . 26:32.864 --> 26:35.087 Um , or if you have them in two kind of 26:35.087 --> 26:37.253 side by side compartments and you drop 26:37.253 --> 26:39.253 one and then you drop another set , 26:39.253 --> 26:41.420 that's OK as well . So it doesn't need 26:41.420 --> 26:43.476 to be all together . Can we have the 26:43.476 --> 26:45.642 payload up on a stand for the craft to 26:45.642 --> 26:47.809 grab after takeoff or a human assisted 26:47.809 --> 26:50.087 connection of the craft to the payload ? 26:51.800 --> 26:53.660 Uh , OK , 2 parts , so . 26:57.670 --> 26:59.781 Interesting question on the stand . I 26:59.781 --> 27:01.892 don't think so right now , we're just 27:01.892 --> 27:04.589 having them on the ground , um , but I 27:04.589 --> 27:06.756 can see how that would be difficult to 27:06.756 --> 27:09.829 grab them . Um , so right now we'll 27:09.829 --> 27:11.773 stick with , with , they're on the 27:11.773 --> 27:13.607 ground , you can't elevate it or 27:13.607 --> 27:15.829 something like that . We might put down 27:15.829 --> 27:17.773 some plywood , so it's easier , it 27:17.773 --> 27:19.940 doesn't grab into the ground . Um , on 27:19.940 --> 27:21.940 the other one of , can you manually 27:21.940 --> 27:24.273 attach , that comes down to your design . 27:24.273 --> 27:26.496 Once again , back to safety . So if you 27:26.496 --> 27:28.551 have a design that maybe your blades 27:28.551 --> 27:30.920 are shrouded or there's no , you know , 27:31.119 --> 27:32.952 risk of chopping off a finger or 27:32.952 --> 27:35.063 something like that , then we'll look 27:35.063 --> 27:37.175 at that and we'll say , yeah , that , 27:37.175 --> 27:39.397 that probably makes sense . Um , but if 27:39.397 --> 27:41.619 you've got big spinning blades , you're 27:41.619 --> 27:41.099 not gonna have somebody go underneath 27:41.099 --> 27:44.930 and , and attach a payload . Are 27:44.930 --> 27:46.874 we allowed to use a multi-aircraft 27:46.874 --> 27:48.880 system ? Yeah , 27:49.839 --> 27:52.900 Multi-aircraft is allowed , 27:53.319 --> 27:56.599 but the total combined weight of every 27:56.599 --> 27:58.880 one of those aircraft has to be below 27:58.880 --> 28:02.859 55 pounds . Um , so just keep 28:02.859 --> 28:05.359 that in mind , you have to do that , um . 28:06.329 --> 28:09.410 And for the mileage for the unloaded 28:09.410 --> 28:12.189 loop , all of the aircraft have to do 28:12.189 --> 28:15.449 that unloaded loop as well . Right , so , 28:15.930 --> 28:18.208 they , they have to be in coordination . 28:18.208 --> 28:20.609 Um , you can't just like detach a small 28:20.609 --> 28:23.050 aircraft and run the , the last mile 28:23.050 --> 28:25.130 unloaded . That doesn't meet the 28:25.130 --> 28:27.297 original intent . You go out 5 miles , 28:27.297 --> 28:29.352 you return to base with everything . 28:31.900 --> 28:34.122 Does every part of the aircraft have to 28:34.122 --> 28:36.122 land inside the 5 ft radius landing 28:36.122 --> 28:38.344 zone , or can parts of the system touch 28:38.344 --> 28:40.511 the ground outside of it ? Yeah , um , 28:40.511 --> 28:42.622 that's why we moved it from the 10 ft 28:42.622 --> 28:44.733 down to the 5 ft . So the intent here 28:44.733 --> 28:46.622 is to show controllability in the 28:46.622 --> 28:48.789 landing . So that's why we have a 5 ft 28:48.789 --> 28:51.067 radius circle . So what we're doing is , 28:51.067 --> 28:53.289 we're actually making the center of the 28:53.289 --> 28:52.510 aircraft , wherever that is , the 28:52.510 --> 28:54.732 center of the aircraft has to be within 28:54.732 --> 28:57.066 that 5 ft radius . If other parts of it , 28:57.066 --> 28:59.288 landing gears or whatever , are outside 28:59.288 --> 29:01.310 of that circle , that's OK . That , 29:01.390 --> 29:04.069 that helps us with the , the safety and 29:04.069 --> 29:06.109 uh and , and assessment of the 29:06.109 --> 29:07.998 controllability of the aircraft . 29:10.439 --> 29:12.550 Where will the portal for contributor 29:12.550 --> 29:16.479 vendors be ? So we're building that out 29:16.479 --> 29:19.000 right now . It's , you'll access it 29:19.000 --> 29:21.333 through the DARPA Lft Challenge website . 29:21.333 --> 29:23.510 So we'll have a link on there , um , 29:23.680 --> 29:26.160 and we'll just like we'll put a link up 29:26.160 --> 29:28.560 before January 5th for people to apply , 29:28.640 --> 29:30.473 there'll be another link for the 29:30.473 --> 29:32.430 contributors . Um , there'll be an 29:32.430 --> 29:34.597 application for that right now . It'll 29:34.597 --> 29:36.874 be like a business card kind of a deal . 29:36.874 --> 29:39.510 And then , um , it'll be free between 29:39.510 --> 29:41.609 the teams and the contributors to 29:41.609 --> 29:43.949 connect , discuss what they , you know , 29:44.069 --> 29:46.829 have to offer , and , uh , and , and 29:46.829 --> 29:49.051 anything that goes forward from there . 29:49.051 --> 29:51.218 We won't get in between that sort of , 29:51.218 --> 29:54.410 uh , interaction . Can a ground crew be 29:54.410 --> 29:56.354 located with the aircraft to start 29:56.354 --> 29:58.719 motors prior to launch ? Yeah , yeah , 29:58.890 --> 30:01.510 so that's , I did say it before , um . 30:02.689 --> 30:05.209 So when you move from the prep area to 30:05.209 --> 30:07.449 the actual launch area during your 90 30:07.449 --> 30:09.671 minute window , you can start , you can 30:09.671 --> 30:11.560 have starters , you can start the 30:11.560 --> 30:13.560 aircraft there and prepare it , you 30:13.560 --> 30:15.782 know , attach , if you're using a sling 30:15.782 --> 30:17.838 load , attach the sling load to it , 30:17.838 --> 30:20.060 all of that sort of stuff . Then you'll 30:20.060 --> 30:22.227 move back a safe distance , take off , 30:22.227 --> 30:24.282 um , and start executing your flight 30:24.282 --> 30:26.338 window . So yeah , you'll be able to 30:26.338 --> 30:28.393 move up there , start the aircraft , 30:28.393 --> 30:28.239 get it going as long as it's a safe 30:28.239 --> 30:30.680 starting , you know , way , right ? And 30:30.680 --> 30:32.458 then uh move back for takeoff . 30:35.199 --> 30:37.421 What about weather issues ? What should 30:37.421 --> 30:39.880 we prepare for ? OK , so this is a good 30:39.880 --> 30:43.130 one . Um , there , there was , you know , 30:43.209 --> 30:45.320 when we're formulating this concept , 30:45.320 --> 30:47.431 we were saying , OK , people can come 30:47.431 --> 30:49.320 up with , you know , some kind of 30:50.800 --> 30:52.856 Designs made out of maybe like paper 30:52.856 --> 30:55.022 mache or something like that , right ? 30:55.022 --> 30:57.660 And they'll only work in zero wind 30:57.660 --> 30:59.604 conditions , and that's just not , 30:59.604 --> 31:01.771 we're looking to actually get a design 31:01.771 --> 31:03.716 that goes out and is usable by the 31:03.716 --> 31:05.771 different kind of customers that are 31:05.771 --> 31:07.827 looking for this . So we do have the 31:07.827 --> 31:09.993 wind limitations that are on the rules 31:09.993 --> 31:11.716 on the website , um , but your 31:11.716 --> 31:14.099 particular flight window . A morning 31:14.099 --> 31:16.099 one and an afternoon one , whatever 31:16.099 --> 31:18.790 that is , if it is one knot below the , 31:18.900 --> 31:22.170 the , uh , wind limits , right , uh , 31:22.219 --> 31:24.552 you will have to fly in that time frame . 31:24.552 --> 31:26.330 So do consider that when you're 31:26.330 --> 31:28.619 designing your aircraft . You may have 31:28.619 --> 31:31.739 to take off in 10 knot , 1520 knot 31:31.739 --> 31:34.380 winds and go . Now , if you don't , and 31:34.380 --> 31:36.491 you just want to take it , you know , 31:36.491 --> 31:38.491 by chance , that's up to you guys , 31:38.491 --> 31:40.713 right ? It just doesn't work because of 31:40.713 --> 31:42.991 the wind conditions during that window , 31:42.991 --> 31:42.319 and you're gonna aim for the next 31:42.319 --> 31:44.375 window . That's up to you guys and , 31:44.375 --> 31:46.541 and how you want to play the risk game 31:46.541 --> 31:50.229 here . For the two trackers , are those 31:50.229 --> 31:52.396 going to be provided or must we supply 31:52.396 --> 31:54.670 them ourselves ? Good question . So , 31:54.989 --> 31:57.045 the FlightAware or the flight ID one 31:57.045 --> 31:59.211 that is required by the FAA , you will 31:59.211 --> 32:01.322 have to , to , to buy that yourself . 32:01.322 --> 32:03.433 You have to buy it for under Part 107 32:03.433 --> 32:06.650 and under the 44807 . The other one , 32:07.510 --> 32:09.469 is , is ours . So we , that'll be 32:09.469 --> 32:11.580 government furnished . It'll actually 32:11.580 --> 32:14.060 be shaped like a weight plate , so that 32:14.060 --> 32:16.270 way it'll fit inside of , of the 32:16.270 --> 32:18.437 compartments or whatever , however you 32:18.437 --> 32:20.548 guys are attaching things . And so we 32:20.548 --> 32:22.659 will put that in . We'll give you the 32:22.659 --> 32:24.770 weight of it as well . Um , we'll try 32:24.770 --> 32:26.937 and make it a standard weight , like a 32:26.937 --> 32:29.270 2.5 or a 5 pound weight , and then , um , 32:29.290 --> 32:31.623 that will be part of the payload weight . 32:31.623 --> 32:33.846 So you'll have all the normal ones plus 32:33.846 --> 32:36.969 the 5 pound tracker on there . Will 32:36.969 --> 32:39.191 there be internet access on site during 32:39.191 --> 32:42.170 the competition ? Josh , what do you 32:42.170 --> 32:44.430 got for internet access there ? So we 32:44.430 --> 32:46.652 do have internet access out where we're 32:46.652 --> 32:48.430 having it . Obviously with site 32:48.430 --> 32:50.541 location and the amount of people and 32:50.541 --> 32:50.140 stuff , that will be something we'll be 32:50.140 --> 32:52.307 working on throughout the time of this 32:52.307 --> 32:54.584 competition . So , but currently , yes , 32:54.790 --> 32:56.957 we have internet access mostly through 32:56.957 --> 32:59.670 cell coverage . Yep , OK . So Josh 32:59.670 --> 33:02.550 brings up a good point . Um , we want 33:02.550 --> 33:04.883 to have as many competitors as possible , 33:04.883 --> 33:07.430 right ? We open this competition , you 33:07.430 --> 33:09.486 never know the type of response that 33:09.486 --> 33:11.989 you're gonna get . So we would like to 33:11.989 --> 33:14.869 have , um , everybody that , you know , 33:14.989 --> 33:17.469 has , uh , an aircraft that is in the 33:17.469 --> 33:19.691 design parameters that we've set , that 33:19.691 --> 33:21.858 has a safe aircraft , we would like to 33:21.858 --> 33:24.479 invite all of those . Um , so we have a 33:24.479 --> 33:26.760 primary location there at Malvern , 33:26.839 --> 33:29.300 Ohio . When we start getting 33:29.300 --> 33:31.244 application numbers , we'll make a 33:31.244 --> 33:33.356 decision on whether we move somewhere 33:33.356 --> 33:35.189 nearby , uh , or we stay at that 33:35.189 --> 33:38.869 location . Is 33:38.869 --> 33:41.036 charging or refueling allowed when the 33:41.036 --> 33:43.258 aircraft lands after the 1st 4 nautical 33:43.258 --> 33:46.869 mile loop ? Nope , nope . So , um , 33:47.069 --> 33:48.902 once again , it's going out to a 33:48.902 --> 33:51.469 customer or out into wherever , it's 33:51.469 --> 33:53.747 dropping off the payload and returning . 33:53.747 --> 33:55.858 That person doesn't have fuel on them 33:55.858 --> 33:58.025 to , you know , fix the aircraft or do 33:58.025 --> 34:00.080 anything . They simply receive the , 34:00.080 --> 34:02.302 the cargo , and then the aircraft flies 34:02.302 --> 34:04.358 home . So we're doing the same thing 34:04.358 --> 34:06.449 with that turn . Um , you're not 34:06.449 --> 34:09.389 allowed to do anything . You can remove 34:09.649 --> 34:11.810 the payload . That person could help 34:11.810 --> 34:14.179 with some transformation , that , that 34:14.179 --> 34:16.290 just really opens up some really cool 34:16.290 --> 34:18.457 possibilities , but you're not allowed 34:18.457 --> 34:20.623 to add any more energy sources to , to 34:20.623 --> 34:23.409 complete that last mile . Um , and then 34:23.409 --> 34:25.465 some people are like , well , if the 34:25.465 --> 34:27.631 original context was going 5 miles and 34:27.631 --> 34:29.798 then returning , why is it , why is it 34:29.798 --> 34:31.965 4 miles and 1 mile ? That came down to 34:31.965 --> 34:33.853 time . So we started , you know , 34:33.853 --> 34:36.108 looking at viable speeds around this 34:36.108 --> 34:38.330 course , and if we actually did 5 miles 34:38.330 --> 34:40.839 and 5 miles , it would be so long , uh , 34:41.069 --> 34:43.236 to be able to fit as many people as we 34:43.236 --> 34:45.458 wanted into this competition over , you 34:45.458 --> 34:47.680 know , a set amount of days . So that's 34:47.680 --> 34:50.829 why we reduced it to 4 and 1 mile . Um , 34:51.269 --> 34:53.269 and we'll just have to , you know , 34:53.269 --> 34:55.380 make believe that that's what we want 34:55.380 --> 34:57.989 to do . What is DARPA's scoring 34:57.989 --> 35:00.189 criteria , specifically for the 35:00.189 --> 35:03.520 subjective categories ? Um , 35:04.429 --> 35:06.651 Yeah , that's a good one . So I'm gonna 35:06.651 --> 35:09.830 have , um , 3 other PMs I think right 35:09.830 --> 35:12.500 now is uh 3 other PMs here at DARPA , 35:12.550 --> 35:15.689 all aviation type program managers , 35:16.110 --> 35:18.332 and they're going to be going out there 35:18.332 --> 35:20.554 and just looking for things that , uh , 35:20.554 --> 35:22.777 you know , are really amazing , right ? 35:22.777 --> 35:24.777 So , what we wanted to do , because 35:24.777 --> 35:26.832 this is aviation , and there , there 35:26.832 --> 35:28.554 can be a number of reasons why 35:28.554 --> 35:30.666 something crashes , that doesn't mean 35:30.666 --> 35:33.520 it wasn't a good idea . So the 35:33.520 --> 35:35.687 subjective categories are to highlight 35:35.687 --> 35:37.919 those amazing ideas that are out there 35:37.919 --> 35:40.086 for the world to see , right ? When we 35:40.086 --> 35:42.197 have our leaderboard , it'll be 1st , 35:42.197 --> 35:44.252 2nd , 3rd , and oh by the way , um , 35:44.252 --> 35:46.419 there were these amazing ideas . Now , 35:46.419 --> 35:48.641 you can combine it , so the 1st for the 35:48.641 --> 35:51.080 1st place winner can also get the other 35:51.080 --> 35:54.280 3 subjective categories . Um , that 35:54.280 --> 35:56.520 they're not exclusive , but we wanted 35:56.520 --> 35:59.320 to , to be able to have that freedom to 35:59.320 --> 36:02.449 say , wow , that's an amazing idea . Um , 36:02.510 --> 36:04.677 you weren't quite able to , you know , 36:04.677 --> 36:06.899 get up on the leaderboard all the way , 36:06.899 --> 36:09.010 but we want to highlight that for the 36:09.010 --> 36:11.177 world to see . Um , so it's a , it's a 36:11.177 --> 36:14.250 subjective , uh , based decision that 36:14.250 --> 36:16.850 we'll have here with , uh , the three 36:16.850 --> 36:19.260 government . Program managers from 36:19.260 --> 36:22.780 DARPA . Could you clarify the 36:22.780 --> 36:25.020 trajectory ? Would it be a circle or an 36:25.020 --> 36:27.040 AB trajectory with multiple turns ? 36:28.209 --> 36:30.431 Sure , let's go back , um , Thomas , if 36:30.431 --> 36:32.542 you can go back to the slide with the 36:32.542 --> 36:33.542 graph on it . 36:35.850 --> 36:36.570 Um , 36:40.020 --> 36:42.242 All right , so this is the basic course 36:42.242 --> 36:44.520 layout right here . It is not to scale , 36:44.590 --> 36:46.899 so please , uh , do that . We , we 36:46.899 --> 36:48.899 tried to make it big enough for you 36:48.899 --> 36:50.955 guys to see on the screen . Um , but 36:50.955 --> 36:53.177 those are the 2 5 ft radius , so you'll 36:53.177 --> 36:55.399 land and take off out of one . When you 36:55.399 --> 36:57.455 return the payload , you'll , you'll 36:57.455 --> 36:59.399 land in the other one , remove the 36:59.399 --> 37:01.510 payload . We separated the circles so 37:01.510 --> 37:03.399 that you won't land on top of the 37:03.399 --> 37:03.100 payload when you come back from your 37:03.100 --> 37:06.659 mile , uh , your unloaded mile . Um , 37:06.750 --> 37:09.110 but we are going to have , right now 37:09.110 --> 37:11.629 we're looking at the inner box is about 37:11.629 --> 37:14.669 50 ft wide , and then that outer box 37:14.669 --> 37:16.699 gives you a little bit more , um , 37:16.870 --> 37:19.419 about 65 ft , I believe . Uh , these 37:19.419 --> 37:21.530 numbers are still up , so we're still 37:21.530 --> 37:23.641 looking at locations and where we can 37:23.641 --> 37:25.808 fit all of these lanes . So I'm giving 37:25.808 --> 37:28.141 you round numbers , can't hold me to it . 37:28.340 --> 37:30.451 Um , but that's what we're looking at 37:30.451 --> 37:32.618 right now . This will allow us to have 37:32.618 --> 37:34.784 lots of lanes right next to each other 37:34.784 --> 37:36.729 and have lots of people flying all 37:36.729 --> 37:39.790 throughout the day . Um , so another 37:39.790 --> 37:41.790 point I saw in one of the questions 37:41.790 --> 37:44.068 before the webinar was , um , you know , 37:44.068 --> 37:46.070 can I have different energy things 37:46.070 --> 37:48.181 throughout the course , or can I have 37:48.181 --> 37:50.126 an observer at the end ? Right now 37:50.126 --> 37:52.126 we're saying no . So , you have the 37:52.126 --> 37:54.237 remote pilot in command there . If he 37:54.237 --> 37:56.181 needs an assistant , they can also 37:56.181 --> 37:58.348 stand in that , that , uh , connection 37:58.348 --> 38:00.870 or the , the box there with the lane 38:00.870 --> 38:04.070 coordinator . Um , but this is the 38:04.070 --> 38:06.237 general setup . Thanks for making that 38:06.237 --> 38:08.840 bigger competition box . Um , so this 38:08.840 --> 38:11.062 is the general setup , right ? About 50 38:11.062 --> 38:13.699 ft wide , about a quarter mile long . 38:14.159 --> 38:16.381 So you'll go to one end , turn around , 38:16.399 --> 38:18.510 come back , and do that until you hit 38:18.510 --> 38:22.000 your 4 miles . Um , as long as you stay 38:22.000 --> 38:24.111 within that geo fence perimeter , you 38:24.111 --> 38:26.560 can do S turns inside there to increase 38:26.560 --> 38:28.500 your , you know , over the ground 38:28.500 --> 38:32.199 mileage , um , but that's the general 38:32.199 --> 38:33.199 concept of it . 38:36.129 --> 38:38.240 Will DARPA supply the weights for the 38:38.240 --> 38:40.407 competition , or do we bring our own ? 38:40.407 --> 38:42.573 No , we'll supply it . So yeah , we're 38:42.573 --> 38:44.462 gonna , we're gonna bring all the 38:44.462 --> 38:46.518 weights that way , um , there's no , 38:46.518 --> 38:48.851 you know , uh , possibility of cheating . 38:48.851 --> 38:50.907 We're gonna buy those . You're gonna 38:50.907 --> 38:53.185 get the weights that are already there , 38:53.185 --> 38:55.351 uh , on the , at the competition box . 38:55.351 --> 38:57.351 That also makes it much easier . We 38:57.351 --> 38:59.573 don't have to weigh the , uh , to weigh 38:59.573 --> 38:59.159 the weights before each one of your , 38:59.290 --> 39:01.399 your , uh , attempts . We just weigh 39:01.399 --> 39:04.300 the aircraft . We cannot count up the 39:04.300 --> 39:06.522 number of weights , and then you're off 39:06.522 --> 39:10.209 to launch , right ? We've had 39:10.209 --> 39:12.320 multiple questions about parachutes . 39:12.320 --> 39:14.209 Can you jettison your aircraft in 39:14.209 --> 39:16.376 sections , things of that nature . Can 39:16.376 --> 39:18.542 you elaborate , please ? Yeah , yeah , 39:18.542 --> 39:20.709 yeah . So , uh , and I've seen this in 39:20.709 --> 39:22.431 previous emails as well . Um , 39:22.431 --> 39:24.719 parachutes a great idea . Um , the , 39:24.800 --> 39:27.022 the thought here is , OK , you fly your 39:27.022 --> 39:28.744 4 miles , if you want to use a 39:28.744 --> 39:31.022 parachute to help assist with the land , 39:31.022 --> 39:33.078 that's fine . You need to still land 39:33.078 --> 39:36.979 within that 5 ft radius . Um , but 39:37.000 --> 39:39.056 when you take off again , you got to 39:39.056 --> 39:41.111 repack that . You've got to just not 39:41.111 --> 39:43.278 repack it , but you've got stuff it in 39:43.278 --> 39:45.111 a box or something , right ? The 39:45.111 --> 39:47.222 requirement is the only thing that is 39:47.222 --> 39:49.709 left behind are the weights . So when 39:49.709 --> 39:51.931 you go back out there , if you manually 39:51.931 --> 39:54.098 pull the weights off , you got to take 39:54.098 --> 39:56.320 that parachute , throw it back into the 39:56.320 --> 39:58.376 aircraft somewhere so that it can do 39:58.376 --> 40:00.376 the 1 mile unloaded loop on the way 40:00.376 --> 40:02.939 back . Is the course going to be over 40:02.939 --> 40:04.995 flat ground , or will there be other 40:04.995 --> 40:08.409 obstacles ? Right now , with our 40:08.409 --> 40:10.298 current location , it's over flat 40:10.298 --> 40:14.040 ground . All right , 40:14.120 --> 40:16.760 and one final question here . What was 40:16.760 --> 40:18.704 the highest ratio you've seen that 40:18.704 --> 40:20.982 could compete in this challenge so far ? 40:21.080 --> 40:23.302 Oh , wouldn't you guys love to know . I 40:23.302 --> 40:25.639 can't , I can't spoil it . Cannot spoil 40:25.639 --> 40:28.040 it . Um , no , I've , I've seen some 40:28.040 --> 40:30.040 amazing designs , we'll see if they 40:30.040 --> 40:32.739 work . Um , we've gotten a , a lot of , 40:32.780 --> 40:36.360 um , Fun people from the internet email 40:36.360 --> 40:38.693 us . Some people say I can do a 10 to 1 , 40:38.693 --> 40:40.959 and this is easy , um , so what I would 40:40.959 --> 40:43.270 say to everybody is , is great . Show 40:43.270 --> 40:47.189 up . Um , do it . Arrive , 40:47.330 --> 40:50.929 uh , at the competition and be the , be 40:50.929 --> 40:53.040 that person that just blows everybody 40:53.040 --> 40:55.318 out of the water . We're , we're ready . 40:55.318 --> 40:57.429 Um , so I'm excited to , for you guys 40:57.429 --> 41:00.100 to come and , and do some crazy numbers , 41:00.199 --> 41:02.310 right ? Things that people have never 41:02.310 --> 41:04.532 seen before . That's the whole point of 41:04.532 --> 41:06.588 this challenge is to allow people to 41:06.588 --> 41:08.810 have , that have these ideas that maybe 41:08.810 --> 41:11.032 aren't traditional ideas . Um , to come 41:11.032 --> 41:13.510 to an open event like this and show 41:13.800 --> 41:16.022 that they can change aviation forever , 41:16.050 --> 41:18.217 right ? And that's the exciting part . 41:18.290 --> 41:20.649 So , we'd love , love to see that 41:20.649 --> 41:24.620 happen . Um , 41:25.379 --> 41:27.712 OK , I think that was the last question , 41:27.712 --> 41:29.990 right , Ann ? We're gonna do for today . 41:29.990 --> 41:33.820 Yep , that was it . All right . Um , so , 41:34.679 --> 41:36.790 First of all , I want to really thank 41:36.790 --> 41:38.846 everybody for showing up , everybody 41:38.846 --> 41:40.901 registering , uh , coming along with 41:40.901 --> 41:43.159 this competition , uh , and taking time 41:43.159 --> 41:45.270 to , to come here to listen , to , to 41:45.270 --> 41:47.439 ask the questions and the overall 41:47.439 --> 41:50.300 interest in the lift challenge . Um , 41:50.639 --> 41:52.639 it's designed , this competition is 41:52.639 --> 41:55.239 designed to encourage innovation , like 41:55.239 --> 41:58.239 I said , showcase the talented teams on 41:58.239 --> 42:01.209 a national and international scale . Uh , 42:01.290 --> 42:03.012 we also want to accelerate the 42:03.012 --> 42:05.234 commercialization opportunities in this 42:05.234 --> 42:07.123 exciting field . That's why we're 42:07.123 --> 42:09.123 making it an open competition . The 42:09.123 --> 42:11.457 public will be invited to come see , uh , 42:11.457 --> 42:13.457 and I've already heard of companies 42:13.457 --> 42:15.623 being like , I just want to show up to 42:15.623 --> 42:17.623 see what is , what is the future of 42:17.623 --> 42:20.239 aviation . Um , so we're incredibly 42:20.239 --> 42:22.406 excited to see your , your solutions . 42:22.639 --> 42:24.919 Can't wait to watch this unfold . We 42:24.919 --> 42:27.141 can't wait to start seeing some of your 42:27.141 --> 42:29.590 designs . We'll talk soon and , uh , 42:29.600 --> 42:31.949 look forward to your participation . So , 42:31.959 --> 42:32.860 thank you very much .