CAPE TOWN – A Western Cape father and son team has made South African engineering history by creating the world’s fastest battery-powered drone, reaching speeds that would make most cars jealous.
Luke Bell and his father Mike Bell have officially earned their place in the Guinness World Records after their custom-built quadcopter, named Peregreen 2, achieved an average top speed of 480.23 km/h – fast enough to travel 142 metres in a second.
The achievement comes after months of meticulous design, testing, and overcoming significant technical challenges. Their journey began with the original Peregreen model, which reached an impressive 397 km/h but was never officially recognized by Guinness World Records.
“Unfazed by this, Luke and Mike went back to the drawing board,” according to the official record documentation. The path to success wasn’t smooth, with several malfunctions during testing, including wires and batteries overheating to the point of causing electrical fires.
To meet Guinness World Records’ strict criteria, Peregreen 2 had to complete two successful flights in opposite directions to eliminate the effects of wind conditions. During these official runs, the drone actually peaked at an extraordinary 510 km/h, though the official record reflects the average speed across both flights.
The drone holds the official title for “fastest ground speed by a battery-powered remote-controlled (RC) quadcopter.”
Engineering excellence meets local expertise
The record-breaking drone features a lightweight carbon fibre shell that was 3D printed at a local workshop. The Bells worked alongside aerothermal engineer Chris Rosser to perfect the drone’s aerodynamics and control systems, combining high-tech motors and batteries with a completely redesigned, streamlined shape.
This technological triumph builds on an already impressive family legacy in engineering and design. Mike Bell, an accomplished architect, designed the iconic Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, which hosted four matches during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Luke Bell has established himself as a content creator, regularly reviewing drones and cameras on his YouTube and Instagram channels. He also serves as an ambassador for Sony, bringing his technical expertise to a wider audience through digital platforms.
For drone enthusiasts and engineering fans wanting to follow Luke Bell’s future projects, his content can be found on YouTube and Instagram where he continues to showcase cutting-edge technology and innovation.
