Father-Son Duo Hits 408 MPH With Record-Breaking Drone

A father and son from South Africa just built a drone that flies faster than most race cars can drive.

Luke Maximo Bell and his father Mike have officially claimed the Guinness World Record for the fastest battery-powered quadcopter ever recorded. Their Peregreen V4 reached an average speed of 408.6 mph (657.59 km/h), shattering the previous record set just one month earlier by Australian engineer Benjamin Biggs at 389 mph.

This isn't the Bells' first rodeo. Luke, an aerial videographer, handles the flying and main design work while his dad Mike provides crucial support with testing and assembly. Together, they've been steadily pushing speed barriers for years, with Luke's Peregreen 2 hitting 298 mph last year and the Peregreen 3 reaching 364 mph just before Christmas.

The Peregreen V4 represents months of careful engineering. The duo used computer simulations to optimize the drone's body shape, then 3D printed the entire frame in one piece using carbon fiber for strength and flexible material for the tail. They sanded and polished every surface to reduce friction and improve aerodynamics.

The power comes from four advanced brushless motors spinning high-performance 6-inch propeller blades. Luke and Mike spent countless hours bench testing different combinations to find the perfect balance of thrust, heat management, and reliability. High-discharge lithium-polymer battery packs provide the massive energy needed for those incredible speeds.

Getting the official record required perfect conditions. Guinness rules require averaging speeds from runs in both directions to account for wind, so the team waited for a calm day at Blowberg Farm in rural South Africa. With independent witnesses present, the drone hit 408 mph on one run and 410 mph on the return, averaging 408.6 mph.

The Ripple Effect

The Bells prove that world records don't require massive corporations or unlimited budgets. Their workshop innovation shows what's possible when skilled people collaborate and refuse to give up. Each iteration of their Peregreen drones pushes technological boundaries while inspiring makers and engineers worldwide to dream bigger.

Even capturing the achievement on camera proved challenging since few drones can keep up with the Peregreen V4. The team eventually used their previous record-holder, the Peregreen 3, as a chase drone because nothing else was fast enough.

One family, one garage, and one shared passion just redefined what's possible in the sky.