we are underestimating how much the wide availability of literature on popular designs impact time constrained engineering process that was supposed to ‘innovate’
Engineers have taken us to the moon & doctors can't figure out how much protein humans need. Clowniest profession oat. Give engineers keys to AIIMS New Delhi & hundred rats & they will solve cancer by month end.
Btw you could probably do this under $3k decently easily without a jet engine by building with a high powered rocket motors on a very solid airframe. Who said it has to be pretty lol.
Someone please do this.