Luke Maximo Bell Sets New World Record for Fastest 3D Printed Drone

Luke Maximo Bell, alongside his father, has successfully reclaimed the Guinness World Record for the fastest flying drone with their 3D printed quadcopter, the Peregreen V4. The drone achieved an average speed of 657 km/h (approximately 408 mph) during official test flights, surpassing the previous record of 626 km/h set by Australian engineer Ben Biggs with his Blackbird drone. The record was verified by Guinness World Records, which utilized a two-run average to account for wind conditions.

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The Peregreen V4 represents a significant advancement in DIY drone technology, incorporating various enhancements over its predecessors. The design process took over two years and involved extensive computational fluid dynamics simulations and flight testing. The drone's airframe was printed as a single continuous piece using multiple materials, including PETG, PA6-CF, and TPU, which contributed to improved aerodynamics and surface finish quality. Bell noted that the larger build volume and dual-nozzle system of the new 3D printer allowed for these innovations.

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The team evaluated three different motor designs before selecting the T-Motor 3120, modifying it from 800KV to 900KV to enhance rotational speeds and overall performance. Additional aerodynamic refinements included sanding and polishing the body and adjusting propeller sizes.

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Despite the achievement, Bell has indicated that the record may not stand for long, as development on future versions of the drone is already in progress. The competitive nature of the DIY drone community suggests that other teams will likely attempt to surpass this new benchmark.

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In discussing the record, Bell emphasized the importance of innovation in the hobbyist engineering space, stating, “The new printer’s larger build volume and dual-nozzle system made it possible to print the body as one continuous piece.” This reflects the ongoing evolution of drone technology and the potential for future advancements.

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While the achievement has been celebrated, some critics argue that the rapid pace of innovation in drone technology may lead to safety concerns, particularly as speeds increase. The competitive environment could also encourage less experienced builders to attempt record-breaking flights without adequate understanding of the risks involved.

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There is a discrepancy regarding the exact speeds achieved during the record attempts. While the average speed was confirmed at 657 km/h, the fastest downwind run was recorded at 659 km/h, and the fastest upwind pass was noted at 599 km/h. This variation highlights the challenges in achieving consistent performance in varying wind conditions.

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• “Bell said: “The new printer’s larger build volume and dual-nozzle system made it possible to print the body as one continuous piece.” — Luke Maximo Bell, Engineer and YouTuber

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• “Although exceptionally fast for a quadcopter, Bell has suggested the record is unlikely to stand for long, and development work on future versions is already well underway.” — Luke Maximo Bell, Engineer and YouTuber

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This recent achievement not only showcases the capabilities of modern 3D printing technology but also sets the stage for future innovations in the field of drone engineering.

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