# Student's jet-powered drone reportedly reaches 491 mph carrying payload

_Published Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 12:06 PM EST · Robotics · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

![Student's jet-powered drone reportedly reaches 491 mph carrying payload — Primary](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/042vFSWK3OhhvlUaqvWrVNH/hero-image.fill.size_1200x675.v1793546544.png)

Georgia Tech aerospace engineering student Tomas Salvo's custom Reaper RC drone reached 491 mph while carrying a 2.6-pound payload, Mashable reported, citing Tom's Hardware. The aircraft reportedly maintained that speed for four minutes, reached a maximum height of 6,500 feet and covered 31 miles at full speed.

Salvo estimates total project costs at roughly $70,000, including $40,000 for engines and testing. The next test flight of the prototype Reaper M1 is targeted for late November or early December.

## Sources

- [Mashable](https://mashable.com/tech/a-college-students-jet-powered-drone-may-have-just-broken-a-world-record)

---
Canonical: https://techandbusiness.org/newswire/cdIbK1McnoVJO4Pr7Rf31b
Published: 2026-11-01T17:06:04.193Z
Story chronology: 2026-11-01T15:54:03.000Z
Retrieved: 2026-11-01T19:53:49.899Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)