German Startup Quantum Systems Claims 699 km/h Electric Drone Speed Record, Pursues Guinness Certification

Munich-based startup Quantum Systems Group has announced it may have broken the world speed record for electric drones. Last month, the company recorded its Apex Recordhunter drone reaching 699 km/h (434 mph) in straight-and-level flight during internal testing — well above the current official record of 657.59 km/h (409 mph).

A formal Guinness World Records application is pending, and an official certification attempt is expected to take place within the coming weeks.

Military Applications Draw Attention

According to the official press release, the Apex Recordhunter took one year to develop and is positioned as a technology demonstrator for next-generation electric drones. Notably, Ukrainian engineers participated in the project under WIY Drones — a division of Quantum Systems — and are planning to pursue additional speed record attempts within Ukraine.

WIY Drones has outlined two specific objectives:

• Breaking the speed record for an FPV interceptor drone carrying a 0.5 kg payload
• Breaking the speed record for an air-defense-class FPV interceptor drone

These goals reflect a clear operational need: Ukraine continues to face increasingly fast and agile aerial threats from Russia, and the Apex Recordhunter's high-speed performance is being evaluated as a potential solution for future counter-drone interceptor roles.

Industry observers suggest that breaching the 700 km/h (435 mph) milestone is well within reach, a threshold that could trigger a new wave of electric drone speed record attempts globally.

New Zealand Rivals Are Also in the Race

The Germans are not the only ones chasing the record. In May, New Zealand drone builders Aidan and Ben recorded a top speed of 453 mph (730 km/h) with their custom-built Blackbird drone, which featured unusual serrated carbon-fiber propeller blades.

However, like the Apex Recordhunter's run, the Blackbird's result currently remains unofficial. Full Guinness World Record certification requires:

1. Witnessing by certified independent observers on-site
2. Use of verified measurement equipment
3. Submission of complete documentation
4. Completion of a controlled, two-way speed run

With multiple teams now in contention, the race to claim the official electric drone speed record title is one to watch closely.

Sources: ComputerBase, Quantum Systems Group official press release

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