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I consider myself a drone expert, but then I come across a story like this and realize I’m actually a novice compared to some pilots. Professional drone center He recently posted a video about his. youtube channelHis quadcopter reached an astonishing world speed record of 690 km/h in the skies over the Australian outback.
This drone is also not a multi-million dollar prototype from DJI or an American aerospace giant. The Blackbird was designed and built from scratch by Australian engineer Ben Biggs, and its components cost around $3,000 in total, which isn’t much more expensive than a high-end consumer camera drone.
The average speed of the drone at 100 m on this most recent flight is approximately 410 mph / 661 km/h (with an upwind course averaging over 635 km/h and a downwind course averaging 690 km/h), approximately 3 km/h faster than the official Guinness World Record for drone speed, set in December 2025 by Luke Maximo Bell using his own made Peregreen V4 aircraft. tailored.
So that means Biggs and Blackbird are the new official world record holders, right? Unfortunately for him this is not the case. Since he was unable to find a professional observer to observe his attempt (providing a professional drone pilot for a trip into the wilderness of rural Australia at short notice was no easy task), it remains unofficial and unregistered.
How the blackbird reaches its maximum speed
As reported DroneXLThe key to the Blackbird’s incredible improved flight speed appears to be Biggs’ choice of engines. He chose four AAX 2826 Competition motors with extended cables that directly drive the drone’s arms and are welded directly to the speed controls. This means no wiring or additional weight is required, allowing these arms to remain as slim and light as possible.
Biggs also uses two batteries, setting it apart from most competitors trying to set the drone speed record. These batteries have a high voltage limiter to keep heat production low and power high, and are easily overcharged to provide more power to the motors at full speed. This means that the drone cannot fly for long periods of time, but will spin faster and slower at full speed.
Before Luke Maximo Bell’s record attempt late last year, Biggs himself held the official land speed record, and we hope he returns soon with an official observer for another attempt, one that will enter the record books this time. And then? Well, it won’t be long until the world’s first drone flight at 700 km/h takes place, right?
