Quantum Systems has reported an unofficial speed record for an electric unmanned aerial vehicle. Their experimental drone, the Apex Recordhunter, reached a speed of 777 km/h during a test flight.
The company stated that the record cannot be officially registered with the Federation Aeronautique Internationale. The organization requires two consecutive flights in opposite directions to account for wind conditions, whereas the drone completed only a single flight.
The test was conducted as part of an initiative to develop high-speed interceptor drones. Engineers collected critical data regarding the electric and aerothermal performance of the aircraft during the flight.
Quantum Systems confirmed that the drone operated solely on battery power. This achievement demonstrates the feasibility of reaching high subsonic speeds using electric propulsion technology.
The German manufacturer specializes in electric vertical take-off and landing drones. Their designs integrate the versatility of multi-rotor systems with the aerodynamic efficiency of fixed-wing aircraft.
