Georgia Tech Student’s Reaper Drone Sets New Jet-Powered Speed Record at 790 km/h

Reaper Drone Breaks Speed Barriers

According to НВ — Техно: Thomas Salvo, an aerospace engineering student at the Georgia Institute of Technology, has engineered the Reaper, a jet-powered drone that shattered the world speed record for drones equipped with jet engines by reaching an impressive 790 km/h. During its record-setting flight, the drone climbed to an altitude of 2,047 meters and sustained its top speed over a distance of 54 kilometers for four continuous minutes. This achievement marks a significant advancement in aerospace technology, eclipsing the previous record held by the University of Bath’s Kingchaser drone, which reached a maximum speed of 330 km/h.

Innovative Design and Performance Features

The Reaper is designed for launch either from a truck or a railway track and can ascend to 2,000 meters in under 20 seconds. Manufactured using 3D printing techniques, the drone incorporates a titanium nozzle on its jet engine, optimizing its center of gravity without adding frontal weight. Its outer shell is crafted from molded carbon fiber with a laser-etched internal structure, enhancing its aerodynamic efficiency.

"Reaper can be launched from a railway or truck, climb to 2,000 m (6,600 feet) in less than 20 seconds, and then fly 50 km (31 miles) at full throttle." Thomas Salvo

Salvo has built three versions of the Reaper, each pushing the boundaries of speed further. By contrast, the Kingchaser drone, which measures just under one meter and is constructed from PETG thermoplastic, PPS-CF, carbon rods, and aluminum, reached a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h).

On October 30, 2023, the Reaper outperformed Kingchaser’s peak speed by nearly two and a half times. Earlier, in summer 2026, the Apex Recordhunter aircraft developed by Quantum Systems Group with contributions from Ukrainian experts attained a speed of 698 km/h. This project focuses on advancing electric propulsion, aerodynamics, and flight control systems, highlighting ongoing innovation in modern aerospace engineering.

Thomas Salvo’s Reaper project opens new avenues for drone applications across military, commercial, and research fields. Its comparison with prior milestones like Kingchaser illustrates rapid technological progress in aerospace engineering. Moreover, it emphasizes the critical role of nurturing young engineers whose groundbreaking work has the potential to transform the future of the industry.

The advancements in drone technology are not limited to speed records. For instance, the recent testing of the TRV-150 drone by BAE Systems and SURVICE Engineering showcases innovations in weaponry and interception capabilities, highlighting the diverse applications of UAVs in modern defense systems. Understanding these developments provides a broader perspective on the evolving landscape of aerial technology.