The Mach Initiative is a student-run organisation that aims to break the Guinness Speed Record for the fastest sub-25kg jet-powered unmanned aircraft, currently standing at 465 mph or Mach 0.62.
The aircraft must (i) be airbreathing, (ii) weigh less than 25 kg, and (iii) travel in alternate directions through a 400m long timing track. Our current design, "Kingfisher", is a 1.3m long fibre-glass monocoque powered by a Jetcat P300 Pro micro-turbojet engine and weighing 10 kg when fuelled. This engine will enable the Kingfisher's sleek delta wing to reach a predicted top speed of 570 mph. We secured sponsorships from Siemens, Callen-Lenz and Safran, and we have successfully flown a sub-scale electric prototype and completed manufacturing our full-scale aircraft.
Stay tuned for the Kingfisher's maiden flight!