Heavy-lift drones · DARPA Lift Challenge 2028
A drone that lifts four times its own weight
Antaero is building a heavy-lift drone for DARPA's 2028 Lift Challenge, and filming every test, failure and breakthrough on YouTube.
Payload-to-weight ratio
Payload carried ÷ aircraft weight
The problem
1:1
The typical payload-to-weight ratio of a multirotor drone today. Most carry their own weight, or less.
What a 4:1 drone unlocks
- ReliefEmergency supplies flown to cut-off areas
- AgricultureCrop spraying and seeding with larger loads
- ConstructionMaterials lifted straight to work crews
- LogisticsCargo and resupply where there are no roads
Why it's hard
In 2026, nobody reached 4:1
DARPA's first Lift Challenge drew 124 invited teams. The winner, a conventional single-rotor helicopter, came close but fell short of the target.
teams invited to compete
teams actually flew
best ratio, and prizes were halved for missing 4:1
Sources: DARPA, Lift Challenge results · DroneXL, Aug 10, 2026
The opportunity
2028 doubles the payload
| Rule | 2026 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|
| Max aircraft weight | 55 lb | 55 lb |
| Minimum payload | 110 lb | 220 lb |
| Course length | 5 nmi | 10 nmi (8 loaded) |
| Minimum ratio at max weight | 2:1 | 4:1 |
New teams are welcome; competing in 2026 is not required. DARPA has not yet published the detailed 2028 rules. DARPA Lift Challenge
Our thesis
4:1 is an energy problem
The limit in 2026 wasn't lift. It was carrying the load for the whole course. We're working on power density, efficiency and weight, and we'll film every attempt.
Our aircraft
A gas-electric single-rotor helicopter
The 2026 winner was also a single-rotor helicopter. We're taking the same proven layout and changing how it's powered.
Main rotor
Gasoline engine
Gasoline holds about 45 times more energy per kilogram than lithium batteries. That's what a 10 nmi loaded course needs.
Tail rotor
Electric drive
No tail driveshaft or gearbox to carry, and fast, precise yaw control.
Structure
Every gram counts
We optimise the engine, blades and airframe to be as light as possible.
Gasoline ≈ 12.9 kWh/kg; lithium-ion packs ≈ 0.25 kWh/kg.
Our approach
Two tracks, one team
The engineering produces the story. The channel brings in the sponsors, talent and credibility that fund the engineering.
Engineering
Build and test
- Subscale engine and rotor test rigs before full-scale builds
- Propulsion and power trials backed by data
- Monthly design reviews
Build in public
Film everything
- Weekly build episodes and monthly deep-dives
- Failures, test data and costs shown openly
- Viewers weigh in on design decisions
Beyond 2028
Who needs heavy lift
Defence logistics is already asking for exactly this kind of aircraft, and civilian uses follow close behind.
logistics drones sought by the Indian Army for frontline and high-altitude supply (Aug 2026)
payload DRDO wants from a fuel-engine vertical-takeoff drone for Army posts (Aug 2026)
projected cargo drone market by 2035, up from $2.1B in 2025 (one analyst forecast)
Sources: The Tribune · idrw.org · Global Market Insights
Roadmap
21 months to the start line
- Q4 2026Now
Launch
Form the team and launch the channel
- H1 2027
Subscale
Test rigs, propulsion and power trials
- H2 2027
Full scale
First 55 lb airframe flying with payload
- Early 2028
Qualify
Register once rules publish, FAA compliance
- Summer 2028
Compete
Finals in the US, and the series finale
Team
A small team that builds and films
We're hiring
5 open rolesWork with us
Help us build it
Sponsors
Put your motors, batteries, materials or software in the build. Get product integration in episodes and your logo on the aircraft.
Investors
Back a heavy-lift technology team at the earliest stage, with flight data published as we go.
Engineers
Join one of our open roles, or bring expertise as an advisor.