Drone speed Record Shattered: New World Record Set at 657 km/h
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A new benchmark in drone technology has been established with a record-breaking speed of 657 kilometers per hour. The achievement, the result of years of dedicated engineering and competitive spirit, marks a meaningful leap forward in the rapidly evolving field of drone racing and high-speed aerial robotics.
The pursuit of this record has been a longstanding challenge, with teams around the globe vying for the title. Previously, an Australian team held the record at 626 km/h, igniting a fierce determination in Luke Maximo Bell and his father to reclaim the crown. Their success comes with the V4 iteration of their custom quadcopter design, incorporating substantial upgrades to engines, propellers, and overall aerodynamic efficiency.
Engineering the Speed: key Upgrades to the V4 Design
The team’s success wasn’t simply about bolting on faster components. Extensive computer simulations revealed a surprising need for a larger airframe to optimize performance. This necessitated the use of a larger-format FDM 3D printer, and the team leveraged a sponsorship to utilize a Bambu Lab H2D for the task.
“Interestingly, the simulations ran on the computer showed that the new body actually had to be larger,” a source close to the project explained. The Bambu Lab H2D’s dual extruder capability proved crucial, allowing for the creation of complex parts using a combination of PETG and TPU materials – a blend designed for both rigidity and impact resistance.
Challenges and Future Innovations
The team also explored the possibility of capturing the record-breaking run with a dynamic follow camera, attempting to mount a 360-degree camera on a second First-Person View (FPV) drone. However, the complexity of achieving stable, high-quality footage proved too challenging for this attempt. This innovative approach to capturing the speed will be revisited in future trials.
The Future of Drone Speed
The new world record of 657 km/h doesn’t represent a ceiling, but rather a stepping stone. As one analyst noted, “Propeller airplanes have already exceeded 800 km/h, so there’s considerable room for further advancement before encountering limitations related to the sound barrier.” The ongoing competition promises to push the boundaries of drone technology even further, potentially unlocking new applications in areas like rapid delivery, search and rescue, and advanced aerial surveillance.
why: Luke Maximo Bell and his father aimed to surpass the existing drone speed record held by an Australian team.They were driven by a competitive spirit and a desire to reclaim the title.
Who: Luke Maximo Bell and his father were the key individuals behind the record-breaking achievement. They designed, built, and piloted the V4 quadcopter. Bambu Lab provided sponsorship and equipment.
what: The team successfully achieved a new world record for drone speed, reaching 657 kilometers per hour. This involved significant upgrades to their custom quadcopter design, including a larger airframe and advanced materials.
How: through extensive computer simulations, the team identified the need for a larger airframe. They utilized a Bambu Lab H2D 3D printer with dual extruders to create complex parts from PETG and TPU. The V4 quadcopter incorporated upgraded engines, propellers, and aerodynamic features. The record-breaking run was completed, though attempts to capture dynamic footage with a follow camera were unsuccessful.The attempt ended with a verified speed of 657 km/h, establishing a new world record.
