Father-Son Duo Sets New World Record with 408 MPH Homemade Drone
A father-son team from South Africa has shattered the Guinness World Record for the fastest homemade drone, achieving an impressive speed of 408 miles per hour (mph). Luke and Mike Bell reached this remarkable milestone with their new creation, the Peregreen V4, in Cape Town on December 11, 2025.
New Speed Record Achieved
The Bell duo surpassed the previous record set by Australian engineer Benjamin Biggs, who recorded a speed of 389 mph with his DIY Blackbird drone just a month earlier. According to Guinness World Records, the fastest speed for a battery-powered remote-controlled quadcopter is officially documented as 408.60 mph.
Peregreen V4 Specifications
- Speed Achieved: 408 mph (657.59 km/h)
- Top Upwind Speed: 372 mph (599 km/h)
- Previous Records: 480 km/h (298 mph) in 2024, 580 km/h (360 mph) in June 2025
To confirm their speed, the Bells conducted two verified runs in opposite directions, adhering to Guinness World Record protocols to negate wind effects. This testing approach solidified their title as the fastest quadcopter ever recorded.
Engineering Innovations
Luke Bell stated that the record was the culmination of intense redesign work over five months. The duo meticulously examined and revamped almost every aspect of their drone. Utilizing a Bambu Lab H2D dual-extruder 3D printer, they crafted the main body and landing gear in one piece, which enhanced the drone’s aerodynamic properties.
Technical Enhancements
- Motors: Four upgraded 900 kV T-Motor 3120 brush motors
- Frame Size: Slightly larger than previous models
- Aerodynamics: Enhanced through extensive Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) optimization
- Surface Finish: Sanded and polished carbon-fiber composite
- Propeller Size: Adjusted from seven by five inches to six inches for increased efficiency
The innovations included optimizing the drone’s aerodynamics through computer simulations and real-world testing. The adjustments contributed significantly to reducing drag, ultimately facilitating higher speeds.
Conclusion
This record-breaking Droner, developed by a dynamic father-son partnership, showcases the potential of innovative engineering and 3D printing in drone technology. As they continue to push the boundaries of drone performance, Luke and Mike Bell remain at the forefront of this thrilling field.
