Uncrewed Triple Challenge
May 20, 2025
Uncrewed Triple Challenge
This state-sponsored competition is driving innovation in autonomous drone technology, as it tasks entrants with using unmanned, autonomous drones to seamlessly transport a package across Michigan.
Michigan's Next-Generation Drone Competition
The challenge requires each team to move a package across water, air, and land using unmanned system(s) from point to point in varying conditions and obstacles with no human interaction. The competition begins at the Alpena harbor and Thunder Bay, travels by air across Michigan, and ends at Camp Grayling. Michigan is uniquely positioned to host an event like this, and aims to continue its position as a leader in the development and manufacturing of uncrewed systems.
Event Highlights
2025 Uncrewed Triple Challenge
The competition brought competing teams from eight states and three countries to test their unmanned technologies in the National All-Domain Warfighting Center. The 2025 competition was held on May 20 on the shores of Lake Huron in Alpena, Michigan. Watch the 2025 event highlights to see the action-packed day for yourself.
Segment One
Maritime Domain
The maritime course is located at the City of Alpena Harbor, runs out to a boat 5NM from shore in Thunder Bay, and returns to the maritime transfer zone where teams will transition the payload for the air course.
Segment Two
Air Domain
Following the water segment, teams will complete the air domain segment of the competition. The City of Alpena Harbor will be used as the transfer zone. Total distance of air travel is approximently 58.5 NM. Two ELZs will be identified along the air course to be used for emergencies, precautionary landings, and to support uncrewed system recharge, refuel, or battery exchange operations.
Segment Three
Land Domain
Following the air segment, teams will complete the land domain as the final leg of the competition. The CACTF Soccer Field will be the transfer zone, followed by 23.5 meters of land travel. The competition concludes at the Camp Grayling Parade Field.
Michigan's Aerospace Leadership
Michigan is home to the Unmanned Aerial Systems Consortium (MUASC).
Michigan ranks in the top 10 states in the nation for aerospace manufacturing attractiveness.
Nearly 4,000 Michigan companies are engaged in defense and aerospace work.
Michigan is home to the nation’s largest ground vehicle defense companies and U.S. DoD major industry such as General Dynamics Land Systems, BAE Systems, GE Aviation, GM Defense, and more.
Michigan has the highest concentration of electrical and mechanical engineers in the nation.
Michigan is home to two lightweight materials manufacturing U.S.A. institutes.
University of Michigan boasts the No. 4 ranked graduate aerospace engineering program in the country.
Michigan has the 6th largest advanced manufacturing workforce in the country, with more than 62,800 workers employed in advanced manufacturing industries in 2023.
Competition Rules and Guidelines
The Uncrewed Triple Challenge is a partnership between The Michigan National Guard, The Michigan Department of Transportation and MEDC. Competitors will be assigned a start day and time and will complete the course from start to finish. The team with the fastest time will be the winner.
Learn More in the Competition Rules Document
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Michigan's Defense & Aerospace Industry Leadership
Top universities, R&D facilities, defense OEM's, and a 4,000 member supply chain make Michigan a defense and aerospace industry leader.