Multi-stage prize competition offering $6.5 million in prizes to revolutionize vertical lift aviation and heavy lift drone technology. Seeks novel UAS designs achieving 4:1 payload-to-weight ratio (carrying payloads more than 4x their own weight), dramatically exceeding current 1:1 typical limits. Competition requirements: aircraft must weigh ≤55 pounds including fuel/power, lift minimum 110 pounds payload, complete 5-nautical mile circuit course, achieve non-assisted vertical takeoff and landing. Prize breakdown includes $2.5M first place, $1.5M second, $1M third, plus three $500K innovation awards (aerodynamic design, powertrain design, most promising overall). Registration opens January 2026, closes May 1, 2026. Live performance trials Summer 2026 (potentially at Flightfest, Malvern, OH). Open to US citizens/permanent residents including university researchers, independent innovators, and industry. Targets 200-300 competing teams.