In a remarkable achievement for amateur aerospace engineering, Georgia Tech student Tomas Salvo has garnered significant attention for his custom-built Reaper RC drone. Recently, footage of the drone reached an impressive top speed of 491 mph (790 km/h) while carrying a payload of 2.6 pounds (1.2 kg). According to Tom’s Hardware, the drone sustained this incredible speed for an entire four minutes, achieving a maximum altitude of 6,500 feet and a total range of 31 miles at full throttle.

A Viral Sensation

Salvo’s original post on social media achieved viral status, amassing over two million views in just a short time. To fully appreciate the scope of his project and its inspiration, followers are encouraged to explore his previous posts and updates.

Funding and Costs

The engineering and advanced technologies behind the Reaper drone come with a hefty price tag. Salvo estimates the total costs of the project to be around $70,000, which includes:

• $40,000 for engines and testing expenses
• $6,000 dedicated to fuel and associated systems
• $20,000 for contingency expenses to cover repairs and redesigns

Support and Contributions

To aid in financing this ambitious project, Salvo launched a GoFundMe campaign aiming to raise $50,000. So far, over $16,000 has been pledged. Contributors who donate $500 or more will gain access to a private email list for updates, while those who give $5,000 or more will have the unique opportunity to attend a test flight in person.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Salvo has his sights set on the inaugural Boom Prize, introduced by Boom Supersonic CEO Blake Scholl. This contest seeks the “first amateur-built radio-controlled airplane to break the sound barrier,” with a total prize pool of $800,000, including $750,000 in cash and $50,000 in Boom stock. To qualify for this feat, the Reaper would need to increase its current speed by an additional 276 mph to reach Mach 1.

Upcoming Test Flights

Salvo plans to conduct the next test flight of the Reaper M1 prototype between late November and early December. For those interested in following his progress, updates will be shared on his social media accounts.