# Student-Built Reaper Drone Hits a Reported 491 MPH, Setting Up a Bigger Supersonic Challenge

A Georgia Tech student's jet-powered aircraft has exceeded a previous speed benchmark in an unofficial flight, but a recognized record and the $800,000 Boom Prize remain separate challenges.

- Canonical: https://reviewblip.com/news/tomas-salvo-reaper-drone-491mph/
- Published: 2026-11-01T12:00:58.651Z
- Updated: 2026-11-01T12:00:58.651Z
- Author: ReviewBlip
- Category: Computing
- Type: News

![Three dark jet-powered Reaper aircraft prototypes arranged on a wooden worktable.](https://reviewblip.com/editorial-images/4989d75a92a13f3d74ea0467f7b186a75556369592f8457d267c5cf9ec881e30)

Image credit: Tomas Salvo, as credited by Tom's Hardware

A jet-powered drone developed by Georgia Tech aerospace engineering student Tomas Salvo has reportedly reached 491 mph, or approximately 790 km/h, surpassing the previously reported 465 mph speed benchmark for a jet-powered remote-controlled aircraft. Tom's Hardware reported the achievement on November 1, following Salvo's October 30 public demonstration and claims. The result has not received official Guinness World Records recognition.

The aircraft, named Reaper, combines a custom-molded carbon-fiber exterior with a laser-cut internal structure and a 250-newton jet engine. Its propulsion system incorporates a 3D-printed titanium nozzle, allowing the engine to be positioned farther forward to improve the aircraft's center of gravity. Salvo designed and assembled the project in his college dormitory, with Tom's Hardware reporting a construction cost of approximately $13,000.

According to Salvo's published figures, Reaper reached its reported top speed while carrying a 1.2-kilogram payload. He also claims the aircraft can maintain that speed for approximately four minutes on a full fuel tank, climb to roughly 2,000 meters in less than 20 seconds, and cover about 50 kilometers at full speed. These are developer-reported performance figures rather than independently certified test results.

The project is also drawing attention because of the Boom Prize, a competition backed by Boom Supersonic CEO Blake Scholl. The $800,000 award comprises $750,000 in cash and $50,000 in company stock. Winning requires an eligible air-breathing aircraft to exceed Mach 1 for at least five seconds during level flight or climbing, land intact, and complete two qualifying flights with the same aircraft in one day. Reaper's current reported performance does not satisfy those conditions.

Salvo's project illustrates how advanced fabrication methods and compact turbine engines are enabling ambitious aircraft projects outside traditional aerospace manufacturers. However, the distinction between a demonstrated speed claim, an officially recognized record, and sustained supersonic flight is substantial. Future tests will determine whether Reaper can build on its current reported performance.

## Sources
- [College student unofficially breaks world record for fastest jet-powered drone with 491 mph aircraft built in his dorm — Reaper aims to grab the $800,000 Boom Prize](https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/drones/college-student-unofficially-breaks-world-record-for-fastest-jet-powered-drone-with-491-mph-aircraft-built-in-his-dorm-reaper-aims-to-grab-the-usd800-000-boom-prize)