In a story that seems ripped from a science-fiction novel, a DIY engineer and his son have pushed the boundaries of unmanned flight, reclaiming the world record for the fastest drone with a stunning, nearly 600 km/h run. The project, a testament to relentless innovation and backyard engineering, has culminated in a 3D-printed quadcopter that blurs the line between hobbyist project and aerospace-grade technology.
Mike Bell and his son, Luke Maximo Bell, have officially clocked their latest creation, the Peregreen 3, at a breathtaking top speed of 585 km/h (363.5 mph). This astonishing velocity not only shatters the previous record—held by a Swiss team—by a significant 27 km/h but also edges the drone tantalizingly close to half the speed of sound.
From Humble Beginnings to Unprecedented Power
The Peregreen 3 isn't a first attempt; it's the culmination of a relentless pursuit of speed. Compared to its predecessors, this third iteration represents a monumental leap in raw power. The drone's peak power draw is a staggering 16.2 kW—nearly double the 8.9 kW of the Peregreen 2 and more than triple the 5.2 kW of the original prototype.
This immense energy demand is met by a custom battery pack capable of delivering a brutal 16 kW. However, this power came with a trade-off: weight. The Peregreen 3 tips the scales at 2.77 kg (6.1 lbs), substantially heavier than the 1.85 kg Peregreen 2. To convert this brute force into pure velocity, the team equipped the drone with custom-built APC propeller blades featuring an extreme pitch. This critical design choice was essential for maximizing thrust while carefully keeping the blades' tip speeds from breaking the sound barrier and creating destructive shockwaves.
The 3D-Printing Breakthrough and a Fiery Setback
The journey to this record was paved with trial, error, and a pivotal shift in manufacturing. Initial designs used a carbon fiber frame, but the team quickly encountered issues with balance and, crucially, GPS signal integrity. A clever fix involved mounting the GPS receiver directly onto the camera module, solving the signal problem.
However, dissatisfaction with the limitations of the carbon fiber frame led them to a revolutionary solution: a fully 3D-printed body. This allowed for unparalleled customization and integration. But this innovation brought its own dramatic challenge. An early air-cooled prototype, pushed beyond its limits, caught fire during a test.
Undaunted, the Bells engineered a solution worthy of a full-scale race car: a compact, integrated 50 ml water-cooling chamber. This system proved far more effective than air cooling and had a secondary, brilliant benefit. It allowed them to remove all air vents from the body, resulting in a sleeker, more aerodynamic shell with significantly reduced drag. For any aspiring engineer looking to start their own projects, having the right tools is essential. A reliable 3D printer, like the one available here, is a fantastic starting point for bringing ambitious designs to life.
A Blistering, Fleeting Glory
After countless refinements, the Peregreen 3 was ready. On its record-breaking run, the drone shot through the sky, its official speed verified at 585 km/h. This extreme performance, however, comes at the cost of endurance. The mighty battery is drained in a mere 23 seconds at full throttle, with typical flights lasting only about 110 seconds before the drone must land with roughly 20% charge remaining to protect the electronics.
While this new record has been meticulously documented by the team, it is important to note that it has not yet been formally validated by the Guinness World Records. However, given that this is not the Bells' first record-breaking endeavor, official recognition is widely anticipated.
The story of the Peregreen 3 is more than just a new line in a record book. It’s a powerful narrative about how passion, perseverance, and modern technology like 3D printing can empower individuals to achieve what was once the exclusive domain of well-funded corporate or government labs. Mike and Luke Bell haven't just built the world's fastest drone; they've inspired a new generation of makers to look at the sky and ask, "What's next?"
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