YouTuber builds world's fastest drone reaching a top speed of 411 mph

Barely two weeks after losng the record for the world's fastest drone to veteran record breakers Luke Maximo Bell and Mike Bell, DIY engineer Benjamin Biggs has managed to reclaim the crown using the fourth iteration of his BlackBird drone.

As with the last time, Benjamin had to break the record unofficially, stating he couldn't get any professional to come to witness the attempt. The attempt itself was successful, even though he only managed to beat the existing record by 4 km/h, recording 690 km/h (428 mph) downwind and an average top speed of 661 km/h (411 mph).

To achieve this, he had to make improvements to his drone, starting with the power source. For this version, he used two batteries connected in series and also overcharged the batteries — leading to an increase in voltage output. This increase in voltage delivered an amazing result, resulting in lower-than-usual temperatures, making Luke consider adopting the technique.

Interestingly, he copied the Bells by adding spinners behind each rotor, but he did something they didn't — moving the motors up the wing for efficiency. He also used customized AMAX motors, fitted with long enamelled wires for connection, which allowed him to make the wings thinner.

The Bells have acknowledged the feat, pledging to beat him once more to keep the competition alive.