Scenario Testing

Live In-Person Event

This stage will consist of the live competition (location will be announced later). Stage 2 winners and demonstrators will travel to the Live In-Person Event site to compete in Stage 3. All contestants will be required to complete a UAS safety check and compliance review prior to demonstrating their solution’s capabilities. Contestants who pass the safety check and compliance review will be evaluated based on their performance across test method and mission trials within operational scenario mockups. They will be scored by a panel of judges, and based on those scores, may receive cash prize awards.

View Official Rules

Introduction

The Live Final Contest will take place at a flight-testing facility (specific location will be announced later). All contestants who meet Required Specifications outlined in Stage 2 will complete a series of tests methods and a minimum of one scenario to demonstrate their solution’s capabilities. Contestants meeting the minimum requirements will be ranked, evaluated and judged for prize awards as outlined in Awards and Funding.

How to Participate in Stage 3

  • Stage 2 winners will be invited and required to participate in the Stage 3 webinar.
  • In addition to their own safety plan, contestants in Stage 3 will be expected to follow the safety plan for the live event venue.
  • Stage 3 events will be conducted in an outdoor environment.
  • Each UAV will be expected to demonstrate the indicated Required Specifications in a specified area before being permitted to fly in the scenario stations.
  • Each event area will be bordered by a safety zone.
  • The UAS will need to follow defined operational paths at assigned altitudes, navigate to assigned positions, and activate and deactivate safely.
  • Contestants will be assigned a start time to demonstrate their UAS solution’s capabilities.
  • Prior to and during the stage, competition organizers will also evaluate final team statements, supporting documentation and BOM total cost.
  • Simulated outdoor scenarios will be conducted across one or more environments to evaluate system capabilities.
Important Dates
Details

January 31, 2025

Begin Stage 3.

April 7 – 11, 2025

Stage 3 is a live, in-person competition for scored capability demonstrations through scenario testing.

April 30, 2025

Stage 3 winners announced.

Award Name

Number of Awards

Award Value

1st Place

1

$100,000

2nd Place

1

$75,000

3rd Place

1

$50,000

Best-in-Class Awards

Up to 5

$10,000 (each), up to $50,000 total

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