In the second half of 2025, the Guinness World Record for the fastest battery-powered RC quadcopter changed hands three times in just months—a whirlwind of innovation and one-upmanship.
It started in June 2025, when Cape Town father-son duo Luke and Mike Bell pushed their Peregreen 3 to around 585 km/h (363 mph), reclaiming the crown they had held earlier. Then, in late November/December 2025, Australian aerospace engineer Benjamin Biggs struck back. His sleek Blackbird drone hit a verified 626.42 km/h (389.24 mph) in Melbourne, snatching the record for a brief but intense moment.
The Bells refused to let it stand. On December 11, 2025—just weeks later—they unleashed Peregreen V4 in Cape Town, averaging an astonishing 657.59 km/h (408.60 mph) across opposing runs to cancel wind effects. The Guinness title returned home, marking the Bells' third (or fourth, depending on the count) time at the top.
Who are the rivals?
The Bells are pure garage legends. Luke shares every gritty step on YouTube, while Mike supplies the hands-on engineering muscle. Their journey began with a 480 km/h record in 2024, and they've built on it through relentless iteration: extreme 3D printing, AirShaper CFD simulations, and a refusal to accept defeat.
Biggs brings a different edge. An experienced aerospace pro (with credits including drone work for films like John Wick 4), he relies on deep aerodynamic and CAD expertise. Blackbird showcased thrust optimization, and he's already teasing "tricks up his sleeve" for a 2026 comeback.
Why the speeds exploded
From mid-2025 to year's end, the record jumped by +178 km/h in under six months. This isn't luck—it's pure rivalry fuel. Each team watches the other's moves, redesigns overnight, and pushes hardware and aero limits harder. Cape Town's open spaces vs. Melbourne's engineering precision. Local DIY grit vs. professional polish. South African pride vs. global challenge.
The crown keeps shifting. Biggs is plotting upgrades. The Bells are quietly testing V5 concepts.
Who claims it next? 2026 will tell.
