# Georgia Tech Student Develops Jet-Powered Drone Aiming for Sound Barrier Tomas Salvo's custom Reaper drone reaches 491 mph, targeting the Boom Supersonic prize. - **Source:** [Mashable](https://brifing.si/source/3cd6d1d0-9c29-4750-8bc9-f2afefb52505) - **Published:** 2026-11-01 - **Topic:** [Software & Engineering](https://brifing.si/c/engineering) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/bda0e2f1-a956-4dd5-844c-b0025fd40798 ## Record-Breaking Drone Performance Georgia Tech student Tomas Salvo successfully piloted his custom-made Reaper RC drone to a remarkable speed of 491 mph. The aircraft maintained this velocity for four minutes while carrying a 2.6-pound payload. It reached a maximum altitude of 6,500 feet and demonstrated a total range of 31 miles during the flight. ## High-Stakes Financial Investment The project carries a total estimated cost of $70,000 to maintain its advanced aerospace-grade technology. Salvo allocated $40,000 specifically for engines and testing, $6,000 for fuel systems, and $20,000 for contingency repairs. He is currently utilizing a GoFundMe campaign to bridge the funding gap, having already secured over $16,000 from various supporters. ## Incentivized Crowdfunding Structure Salvo offers tiered rewards to incentivize donors contributing to his $50,000 fundraising goal. Contributors pledging $500 gain access to a private email list for project updates. Those who donate $5,000 or more receive an exclusive invitation to attend a future test flight in person, creating a direct connection between backers and the engineering process. ## Targeting the Boom Prize The primary objective is competing for the inaugural Boom Prize, established by Boom Supersonic CEO Blake Scholl. This competition rewards the first amateur-built radio-controlled airplane to break the sound barrier. The prize package is valued at $800,000, consisting of $750,000 in cash and $50,000 in company stock, providing a significant incentive for amateur aerospace innovation. ## Technical Gap to Mach 1 Despite the impressive 491 mph performance, the Reaper drone must still increase its speed by 276 mph to reach Mach 1. Breaking the sound barrier requires overcoming substantial aerodynamic challenges and engine efficiency hurdles. Salvo’s team is currently iterating on the prototype design to close this speed gap before the next scheduled flight. ## Upcoming Prototype Testing Window The next iteration, designated as the Reaper M1, is currently undergoing preparations for its upcoming test flight. Salvo has targeted a window between late November and early December for this critical evaluation. This session will determine if the modifications made to the airframe and propulsion systems effectively bring the drone closer to supersonic speeds. ## Digital Presence and Community The project gained significant traction after video footage of the drone went viral, accumulating over two million views on social media. Salvo utilizes his X account to document the project's history and share progress updates with his growing audience. This digital transparency helps maintain momentum for his fundraising efforts and technical development milestones. ## Significance of Amateur Aerospace This project highlights the increasing capability of individual engineers to push boundaries previously reserved for large aerospace corporations. By combining custom hardware with public funding, Salvo demonstrates a new model for experimental aviation. His progress serves as a case study for how amateur-led initiatives can tackle complex physics challenges like supersonic flight. ## Sources covering this story - https://mashable.com/tech/a-college-students-jet-powered-drone-may-have-just-broken-a-world-record — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._