The experimental demonstrator drone Apex Recordhunter from the German company Quantum Systems has set an unofficial speed record for battery-powered aircraft, accelerating to 699 km/h in horizontal flight. The technologies of this platform are planned to be integrated into future anti-aircraft interceptors, which will be tested in Ukraine.
The experimental demonstrator drone Apex Recordhunter from the German company Quantum Systems has set an unofficial speed record for battery-powered aircraft, accelerating to 699 km/h in horizontal flight. The technologies of this platform are planned to be integrated into future anti-aircraft interceptors, which will be tested in Ukraine.
Field tests of the device were conducted by the German Quantum Systems N3XT team on June 26, 2026. The developers are currently awaiting official certification of the record by the International Aeronautical Federation (FAI).
The device has been developed over the past year. To achieve outstanding aerodynamic and speed characteristics, engineers used a number of specially designed parts. In particular, the unique battery for the drone was created by V4Smart GmbH, a subsidiary of the automotive brand Porsche AG. Speed indicators have been gradually improving: a month ago, the Apex showed a maximum of 650 km/h.
For comparison, the current certified record in electric aviation belongs to the Spirit of Innovation aircraft from Rolls-Royce and is 555.9 km/h (at one time it broke the record of the Extra 330 LE aircraft with a Siemens engine of 337.5 km/h). In the drone category, the official leadership is held by the Peregrine V4 aircraft from South African engineers Luke and Mike Bell with a speed of 657.59 km/h. At the same time, the Australian team Blackbird claimed to have achieved 730 km/h, but this result was achieved with a tailwind, and it was not certified.
«For over a year, this project has meant early mornings, late nights, setbacks, breakthroughs, sacrifices and an unwavering belief that we can push the boundaries of what is possible. 699 km/h is an incredible milestone, but it’s just the beginning. We will be back very soon to push even further and officially record this result,» said N3XT team representative Robert Gardemin.
Within the framework of the German-Ukrainian partnership, the experience gained during the Apex project will be directly used to create the next generation of interceptor drones. The company’s Ukrainian partner, developer WIY Drones, is aiming to set its own records that will have practical significance on the battlefield. In the coming weeks, WIY is expected to certify the fastest FPV interceptor with a payload of 0.5 kg, called the Strela, as well as the fastest air defense drone Spys.
Under conditions of constant attacks from the Russian Federation with cheap and fast Shahed-type drones, the high speed of Ukrainian interceptors will directly affect the range of destruction of air targets and the reaction time of mobile fire groups and air defense.
Quantum Systems actively supports Ukraine by supplying the Defense Forces with its renowned Vector reconnaissance drones. In addition to supplying ready-made equipment, the German developer has deployed a network of secret production sites in Ukraine and established joint ventures with Ukrainian defense companies for localized production of unmanned systems and components. The company recently raised a large investment round of $1.2 billion to scale the business and strengthen its technological capabilities.
