A college students jet-powered drone may have just broken a world record

Georgia Tech aerospace engineering student Tomas Salvo has been making waves on the internet with his custom-made jet-powered drone. Salvo shared video footage demonstrating his Reaper RC drone reaching a staggering 491 mph (790 kmh) while carrying a 2.6-pound (1.2-kilogram) payload. The drone maintained this speed for a full four minutes, reaching an impressive height of 6,500 feet and covering a total range of 31 miles.

Salvo's project has garnered significant attention, with his original tweet amassing over two million views and driving substantial interest on his social media platforms.

Salvo's engineering prowess comes with a hefty price tag, as he has estimated the total costs of the project at approximately $70,000. This includes $40,000 for the engines and testing, $6,000 for fuel and fuel systems, and an additional $20,000 set aside for contingency expenses, such as replacing damaged parts or redesigning underperforming components.

To help cover these expenses, Salvo has launched a GoFundMe campaign, aiming to raise $50,000. As of now, more than $16,000 has been pledged, with contributors eligible for exclusive updates via a private email list or the opportunity to attend a test flight in person if they pledge $5,000 or more.

Looking ahead, Salvo is eager to compete in the inaugural Boom Prize, announced by Boom Supersonic CEO Blake Scholl. The prize seeks to award the first amateur-built radio-controlled airplane to break the sound barrier. To achieve this feat, Salvo's drone will need to gain an additional 276 mph in speed beyond its current record.

The next test flight of the prototype Reaper M1 is scheduled for late November or early December. For those interested in following Salvo's progress, he encourages supporters to connect with him on X (formerly Twitter).