Australian Engineer Builds Record-Breaking Drone That Reaches 626 km/h

Australian Engineer Builds Record-Breaking Drone That Reaches 626 km/h

An Australian aerospace engineer has set a new benchmark in unmanned aviation after developing a high-speed drone that reportedly outpaced some of the world’s fastest machines.

Benjamin Biggs, a professional drone pilot and aerospace engineer, built a lightweight drone known as the Blackbird over a period of 18 months, achieving a Guinness World Records–verified top speed of 626 km/h.

The speed places the aircraft ahead of a Formula 1 car in motion and significantly faster than most supercars, including a Lamborghini Aventador. At its peak performance, the drone also rivals the low-altitude speed range of some military jets.

According to available details, the Blackbird weighs about 2 kilograms and measures under 16 inches in size. It is powered by a 16-kilowatt system with an exceptionally high power-to-weight ratio, estimated to be several times greater than that of a Formula 1 car.

Biggs reportedly constructed the drone using approximately $3,000 worth of parts, combining professional expertise with experimental engineering. He has over 15 years of experience in drone operations and has worked on major film productions, including John Wick 4.

The record was officially confirmed by Guinness World Records in December 2025, highlighting the achievement as a milestone in personal innovation and high-performance drone design.

Experts note that the project demonstrates how individual engineers, using accessible technology and advanced design principles, can push the boundaries of aerospace performance outside traditional industrial settings.

Australian Engineer Builds Record-Breaking Drone That Reaches 626 km/h