2026 International Powered Lift Conference (IPLC)

The International Powered Lift Conference (IPLC) focuses on the latest developments in vertical and/or short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aircraft research, concepts and programs. 

IPLC, which was first held in the 1990s, is a joint technical meeting, cosponsored by the American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics (AIAA), the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), SAE International and VFS. SAE is the host organization this year, and will incorporate IPLC into its AeroTech aerospace technology conference, taking place June 2–4, 2026 at West Palm Beach, Florida. Abstracts are now due October 31, 2025! — new

IPLC is the only cosponsored event focused on the promise and progress of manned and unmanned powered lift systems, ranging from nano-scale drones through powered-lift aircraft. It is the premier event for engineers, technologists, and executives to discuss developments in Vertical and/or Short Take-Off and Landing (V/STOL), including electric V/STOL aircraft research, design, and developmental projects.

Call for abstracts
Technical papers are solicited for advancements in the arts, sciences, and technologies that apply to the design and operation of V/STOL and eV/STOL aircraft systems, including lift systems, attitude control systems, airframe configurations, subsystems, handling qualities and safety, navigation and air traffic control, noise and pollution suppression, ground handling, and ground time minimization.

Topics for the 2026 IPLC include:

• Advanced Flight Controls, Cockpit Automation, and Autonomy of Crewed and Uncrewed Systems
• Breaking Developments in V/STOL-Enabling Sciences and Technologies
• Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Aircraft using Battery, Hybrid- or Hydrogen-Electric Energy Systems and/or Electric Motors for Powered Lift and Control
• Convertiplane (Tiltrotor, Tiltwing, and Stopped Rotor) Concepts and Design
• Fan-Lift and Jet-Lift Systems Design and Fixed-Wing Aircraft Integration
• Heavy through Ultra-Heavy Lift V/STOL Transport Aircraft Design (>20,000 kg payload capability)
• Rotorcraft Lift-Compounding and Thrust-Compounding Systems Design and Vehicle Integration
• Single- and Multi-Rotor Drone Systems Design and Vehicle Integration
• Current and Historical V/STOL Aircraft Technology Overviews and Project/Program Updates
• Other Topics in V/STOL Aircraft Systems

Nominations sought for the AIAA Newbold Award
The AIAA F.E. Newbold V/STOL Award is presented to recognize outstanding creative contributions to the advancement and realization of powered lift flight in one or more of the following areas: initiation, definition and/or management of key V/STOL programs; development of enabling technologies including critical methodology; program engineering and design; and/or other relevant related activities or combinations thereof which have advanced the science of powered lift flight. More information can be found here: F.E. Newbold Award | AIAA

Updated Aug. 5, 2025