Flitefest 2026 - Aug 6-9 - Dayton OH

[dcoombe]

Can anyone explain to me why the Darpa lift challenge is a thing? I mean, 3D capable 700 series helicopter s have thrust to weight ratios of like 10 to 1. So... just use that? (or a slightly bigger one to carry the 200lbs.) Why have a competition when OTS hobbiest hardware can do the job? Also, why are quadcopters a thing? I get them for racing and stunts, but for long duration missions, aren't traditional helicopters better?

Just gonna say, I'm feeling like I was right. The best performing Darpa lift drone so far is a bog standard heli. It did the full course with 110 lbs, which is the minimum to qualify for the 2.5M prize, but you can tell that heli has more to give. It's only the first day though. (Xtreme Aerial Concepts, lane 15)

EDIT: Now it's carrying 135lbs.

EDIT 2: Now there's a second heli,(H-Squared) almost identical to the Xtreme one.... Ya.... looks like they're using the same turbine motor.

 

[AIRFORGE]

Opened until Wednesday.

 

[wittpilot]

Folks,
I'd like to take the time to suggest you take a short jaunt from your Flite Fest trip over to Grimes Field in Urbana, OH. It's just a quick 40 min excursion to the Northeast. Also, if you're coming from the Northeast, its basically on the way!! Closed Sunday & Monday, so best to probably check it out on your way down. Its one of the only places in the entire country that has 3 aviation museums on one airfield. The Champaign Aviation Museum features the restoration of a B-17 dubbed "Champaign Lady" and a flyable B-25 and other rare vintage aircraft.

For more information visit https://www.champaignaviationmuseum.org/
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[LitterBug]

I will be at Flite Fest this year, but with limited hours the first half of the event. I have to work till 5PM through Friday and will head over after work. So 6pm-ish till gate close. Friday night through Sunday, it's full time FF! Drop me a PM here if you want to meet up or for tech help. I'll be camping Friday -> Sunday at Section Tent A, Row 1, Seat C. My friend Don will be there Wednesday on. I'll bring some SPAM. Maybe @Merv or someone can Fry it up for an evening forum get together.

Looking forward to seeing everyone again this year!

CHEERS!
LitterBug

 

[Merv]

... Maybe @Merv or someone can Fry it up for an evening forum get together....

Great idea, I'll bring a skillet!!
Form members, feel free to stop by my site, Tent B, Row 3, Seat G
Let's fry some SPAM!!

 

[Mr Man]

Great idea, I'll bring a skillet!!
Form members, feel free to stop by my site, Tent B, Row 3, Seat G
Let's fry some SPAM!!

That’s @Mr NCT ’s specialty.

 

[LitterBug]

Mmmmm. Hello kitty flavored SPAM!

@Mr NCT are you ready to kill it?

 

[LitterBug]

@Captain Video is on site helping with setup!

 

[Merv]

ATTENTION
main gate closes at 7pm today

 

[Foamforce]

How do the build tents look? Will there be free tables tomorrow at 8am? Thanks!

 

[Merv]

How do the build tents look? Will there be free tables tomorrow at 8am? Thanks!

Plenty of room in build tents, less than 5% full

 

[Foamforce]

Plenty of room in build tents, less than 5% full

Thanks! How do people feel about leaving their stuff in the build tents overnight this year? It’s inside a big fence, so it seems pretty secure to me, but it’s still a big city. What do you think!

 

[Mr.Grinch]

Thanks! How do people feel about leaving their stuff in the build tents overnight this year? It’s inside a big fence, so it seems pretty secure to me, but it’s still a big city. What do you think!

Like other years, things “SHOULD” be safe if left out, but at your own risk. It’s rare, but things do occasionally grow legs.

 

[Merv]

... How do people feel about leaving their stuff in the build tents overnight this year? ...

I'm leaving my stuff out.
I took a walk over to the DARPA side. About 40% their stuff is left out. Their stuff is worth WAY more than mine.

Security is strong here, it is a military base.

 

[Merv]

Also, 3 massive flood lights, they illuminat the build area & alot of the tent area

 

[Merv]

Sunset on 1st day of FF26.
What a great day, hope to see everyone tomorrow

 

[Merv]

Someone got behind the flight line.

 

[LitterBug]

Someone got behind the flight line. View attachment 259700

he was flying above 400' too....

 

[Mr Man]

Call the faa. 🤣

 

[Houndpup Rc]

Call the faa. 🤣

Or the military!..I mean, its right next door!😂😂