Daniel Mercer
Georgia Tech aerospace engineering student Tomas Salvo made headlines by sharing astonishing video footage of his custom-designed Reaper RC drone achieving a remarkable speed of 491 mph (790 km/h) while carrying a payload of 2.6 pounds (1.2 kilograms). As reported by Tom’s Hardware, the drone maintained this incredible velocity for a full four minutes, reaching a peak altitude of 6,500 feet, with an impressive total range of 31 miles at maximum speed.
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His original tweet has garnered over two million views, making it one of the most viral posts on the internet that Friday. To fully appreciate the background of this project and Salvo’s broader goals, it’s essential to explore his post history.
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Creating such advanced engineering and utilizing space-grade technology comes at a significant cost. Salvo estimates that the total expenses for the project will reach around $70,000. This includes $40,000 allocated for engines and testing, $6,000 for fuel and fuel systems, and an additional $20,000 set aside for contingency expenses to replace damaged components or redesign underperforming parts.
Mashable Light Speed
To support his project, Salvo has launched a GoFundMe page aiming to raise $50,000, with over $16,000 already pledged. Contributors who donate $500 or more will be added to a private email list for future updates, while those who pledge $5,000 or more will have the opportunity to attend a test flight in person.
Looking ahead, Salvo intends to compete for the inaugural Boom Prize, a challenge introduced by Boom Supersonic CEO Blake Scholl, for “the first amateur-built radio-controlled airplane to break the sound barrier.” The total prize currently stands at $800,000, comprised of $750,000 in cash and $50,000 in Boom stock. Despite achieving 491 mph, the Reaper must increase its speed by an additional 276 mph to reach Mach 1 and successfully break the sound barrier.
The next test flight for the prototype Reaper M1 is scheduled for a window between late November and early December. To stay updated on Salvo’s progress, you should follow him on X.
Brandon Fletcher
