Father-and-son engineering duo Mike Bell and Luke Maximo Bell are back on top in the high-speed drone world, reclaiming the Guinness World Record for the fastest battery-powered RC quadcopter with an astonishing top speed of 657 km/h (408 mph).
Their comeback comes only a month after the title slipped away to Benjamin Biggs of Drone Pro Hub, whose quadcopter reached 626.44 km/h (389.25 mph). Instead of accepting second place, the Bells went back to the workshop and returned with a new and improved build: the Peregreen 4.
The key to this record-breaking run wasn’t just raw power—it was smarter engineering choices built around stability and efficiency. One of the most important changes was a switch in motors. The Peregreen 4 moved back to T-motor 3120 motors (previously used on the Peregreen 2), replacing the AOS Supernova 3220 motors used on the Peregreen 3. Even though the AOS 3220 produced more thrust during testing, the Bells found the T-motor setup delivered better stability in real-world runs.
That decision was shaped by hard-earned experience. During their previous record attempts, they reportedly lost seven drones. This time, prioritizing stability helped them avoid motor failures across all runs. There was still drama in the air—a propeller flew off mid-flight and the drone crashed—but the overall performance proved the new configuration was the right move.
Beyond the motor swap, the Peregreen 4 received several aerodynamic and structural upgrades designed to squeeze out more speed while reducing drag. The biggest single gain came from adding “spinners,” which delivered an estimated 30 km/h improvement. These spinners removed the blunt motor ends and replaced them with a more tapered profile, helping airflow move more cleanly across the drone.
Other refinements also contributed to the final result. The drone’s body shape was altered, the frame was sanded for smoother airflow, and the 7-inch propellers were trimmed down to roughly 6 inches to improve efficiency at extreme speeds. Together, these upgrades helped the Peregreen 4 hit its record pace while drawing less peak power than its predecessor.
Efficiency is one of the most eye-catching parts of this achievement. The Peregreen 4 reportedly peaked at about 12 kW power draw, a noticeable reduction from the Peregreen 3’s 16.2 kW. In other words, it didn’t just go faster—it did so with a more refined, streamlined approach.
And the accomplishment doesn’t stop at drones. With this run, the Bells also surpassed Rolls-Royce’s benchmark, claiming the speed record for the fastest battery-powered aircraft ever made—an attention-grabbing milestone that pushes the boundaries of what electric flight can do.
Now holding the title again, the Bells are openly inviting others to challenge their record. Not because they’re backing down—but because they’d love another chance to chase the crown all over again.
