July 11, 2026, 2:03 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Almost 700 kilometers per hour: The Apex Recordhunter drone from Quantum Systems, with support from Porsche, has reportedly set a new speed record during a test flight. Official confirmation is expected in a few weeks.
Record Flight at Nearly 700 km/h
Drones are no longer used solely for aerial photography or as recreational devices. With increasing performance, new applications are emerging. Against this backdrop, the German N3XT team of the Quantum Systems Group developed the Apex Recordhunter. During an internal test on June 26, 2026, the aircraft reached a speed of 699 kilometers per hour.
According to Quantum Systems, this figure represents a new benchmark for battery-powered aircraft. However, whether the record will be officially recognized will be determined after the planned certification process by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI).
Apex Recordhunter Serves as Technology Carrier
According to Quantum Systems, the Apex Recordhunter is not an ordinary drone. The company developed it within a year as a technology carrier. The project was supported by V4Smart, a battery technology company from the Porsche Group.
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With the aircraft, Quantum Systems aims to demonstrate the capabilities of modern electric drives. The insights gained will later be incorporated into new interceptor drones. Florian Seibel, co-CEO and founder of Quantum Systems, explains:
“I am incredibly proud of the Quantum Systems team; it demonstrates our engineering ambition across the entire corporate group and underscores our commitment to developing world-leading technologies.”
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Further Record Attempts Already Planned
The development is not intended to end with the achieved benchmark. WIY Drones, Quantum Systems’ Ukrainian partner, is also preparing further record attempts. In the coming days, new speed records are expected to be challenged in Ukraine.
The focus is on two specific interceptor drones. The “Strila” model aims to set a record as the fastest FPV interceptor drone with a payload of 0.5 kilograms. Meanwhile, the “Spys” drone competes in the category of anti-aircraft interceptor drones.
High Speeds for Future Projects
Quantum Systems does not view the record flights as an end in themselves. According to the company, particularly fast interceptor drones could help reach agile flight targets more quickly in the future. The insights from the test flights are expected to be incorporated into both civilian and military projects. Robert Gardemin from the N3XT team also sees the record as a stepping stone. He says:
“For more than a year, this project was marked by early mornings and late nights, setbacks and breakthroughs, sacrifices and the unwavering belief that we can push the boundaries of what is possible. 699 km/h is an incredible milestone, but just the beginning. We will soon return to go even faster and make the record official.”
Whether the Apex Recordhunter will ultimately have its record officially confirmed will be determined after the certification attempt. However, the project already highlights the development of electric aircraft and the high speeds made possible by modern technology.