Father-Son Team Breaks Drone Record at 408 MPH

Luke and Mike Bell just proved that the best engineering partnerships can happen right at home. The South African father-son duo reclaimed the Guinness World Record for fastest quadcopter drone, clocking an incredible 408 mph with their custom-built Peregreen V4.

The new record beats Australian engineer Benjamin Biggs' month-old mark of 389 mph. For the Bells, this is their third record-breaking drone in less than two years, showing relentless dedication to their craft.

Luke Bell, an aerial videographer from Cape Town, designed and built the Peregreen V4 with help from his father Mike. The name tells the story: this is their fourth iteration, representing more than two years of continuous improvements and learning.

What makes their achievement even more remarkable is how they built it. Using a 3D printer, the duo could rapidly create prototypes and make changes on the fly. They printed the entire drone body as one continuous piece, combining different materials for strength where needed.

The technical upgrades were impressive. They installed more powerful motors with increased rotational speed and paired them with special batteries designed to deliver maximum power in short bursts. They even used 3D modeling software to smooth the drone's exterior and reduce drag.

Testing presented its own challenges. The Peregreen V4 flew so fast and was so small that capturing it on camera proved nearly impossible. Their creative solution? Use the camera from their previous record-breaking drone, the Peregreen V3, to film the new flights.

During official testing, the drone flew in opposite directions to offset wind effects, following standard practice for speed records. The average came out to 408 mph, earning them the Guinness World Record for fastest battery-powered remote-controlled quadcopter.

The Ripple Effect

The Bell family's work extends beyond speed records. They've also built a solar-powered drone that can fly indefinitely as long as the sun is shining, showing their commitment to sustainable innovation. Their journey demonstrates how 3D printing technology has democratized advanced engineering, allowing passionate individuals to compete at world-record levels from their own workshop.

Their story inspires other makers and engineers to dream big, knowing that breakthrough innovations don't require massive corporate labs. Sometimes all you need is curiosity, dedication, and a parent willing to join the adventure.

Given the friendly competition in this space, the record might not last long, but that's exactly what makes it exciting to watch.